| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09682431B2 |
Hole-saw
A hole-saw comprises a cylindrical body, a plate, a mandrel, and a clamping member. A cutting edge is formed at an open end of the body and is disposed about the body's rotational axis. The plate is disposed at an opposite end of the body, is rotationally coupled to the body, and is oriented perpendicular to the body's rotational axis. The plate has lateral slots formed through the plate and lateral grooves formed in the plate's distal surface in an orientation transverse to the slots. The mandrel's proximal section forms an arbor shaft, and its distal section includes lateral bosses sized to insert through the plate's slots and rest in the plate's grooves. The clamping member has a body that is movable along the mandrel's longitudinal axis to engage the plate's proximal surface and clamp the plate between the clamping member and the bosses resting in the plate's grooves. |
| US09682430B2 |
Pocket hole drilling machine
A pocket hole drilling machine is presented. The pocket hole drilling machine has a cabinet made of a molded unitary monolithic piece. A monolithic top plate is connected to the cabinet with an opening in the middle for an insert plate which is positioned therein. A handle extends above the top plated as does a clamping assembly however actuating mechanics of the device move within the cabinet, thereby improving safety by eliminating pinchpoints. An adjustable fence assembly having cam locks connected thereto is also connected to the top plate. This arrangement provides a low cost, safe and efficient pocket hole drilling machine. |
| US09682421B2 |
Titanium continuous casting device
Provided is a device for titanium continuous casting (1) capable, even when continuously casting large diameter titanium ingots or titanium alloy ingots, of suppressing component segregation thereof. The device for titanium continuous casting (1) comprises: a mold (3) having an upper section having a circular upper opening (3a) for pouring in molten metal (6), and a bottom section having a lower opening for continuously drawing ingots (11); and a plurality of plasma torches (4, 5) to heat the molten metal in the mold (3) from the upper opening (3a) side. The plurality of plasma torches (4, 5) are disposed so that the amount of heat input to the molten metal (6) present in the outer circumference enclosing the center of the upper opening (3a) is greater than the amount of heat input to the molten metal (6) present in the center of the upper opening (3a). |
| US09682419B2 |
Method and tool for setting blind rivet elements
A method for setting blind rivet elements in which the setting of the respective blind rivet element introduced into a pre-hole of the work piece and/or the formation of a rivet collar takes place in a setting stroke (SH) through the permanent deformation of a section of the blind rivet element by subjecting an end of the blind rivet element to a traction force by a traction element of a setting tool while simultaneously supporting another end of the blind rivet element on a support part of the setting tool counter to the traction force. |
| US09682415B2 |
De-stacking process for the separation of lubricated aluminum sheets
Described herein is a novel process for separating individual lubricated aluminum sheets from a stack of lubricated aluminum sheets as they enter a stamping press for fabrication. The process involves placing a lift underneath a stack of aluminum sheets and lifting the center upwards. This in turn causes the edges of the stack to bend downwards, creating a concave bending curvature facing the lift. The induced curvature is sufficient to provide the inter-sheet shear necessary to break the adhesion caused by the lubricant. |
| US09682414B2 |
Plate material conveyance apparatus with temporary placement table
A plate material conveyance apparatus, disposed next to a plate processing machine, includes an unprocessed plate material placement unit, a processed plate material placement unit, a loader, an unloader and a temporary placement table. The loader reciprocally moves between the unprocessed plate material placement unit and the plate processing machine to deliver an unprocessed plate material onto the plate processing machine. The unloader reciprocally moves in parallel to and below the loader between the unprocessed plate material placement unit and the plate processing machine, and delivers a processed plate material from the plate processing machine to the temporary placement table positioned above the unprocessed plate material placement unit. The temporary placement table slides between the unprocessed plate material placement unit and the plate processing machine, and transfers the processed plate material, received from the unloader, to the processed plate material placement unit. |
| US09682412B2 |
Hemming finishing pliers
Hemming finishing pliers press and thereby bring a folded portion of a panel into close contact with an inner surface side of the panel facing the folded portion, by a clamping action of first and second holding arms. A pressure receiving plate for supporting an outer surface of the panel is provided in a tip end portion of the first holding arm. A pressing claw for pressing the folded portion against the panel supported by the plate is provided in a tip end portion of the second holding arm. A pressure receiving surface of the plate facing the outer surface of the panel is set wider than a pressing surface of the claw facing the folded portion. A supporting wall for supporting a flexed part of the folded portion is formed in the plate. Accordingly, the pliers enable efficient hemming finishing without requiring a skill. |
| US09682409B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for cleaning an aquarium
Apparatuses, systems and methods aid in the cleaning of an aquarium and provide clean water to an aquarium. In particular, the present invention relates to an efficient, self-contained and simplified solution for cleaning aquarium tanks and replenishing clean water to an aquarium. |
| US09682406B2 |
Selective sorting method
A selective sorting method is described to identify and sort material objects of different natures, sizes and shapes having the form of a pile. The method is characterized in that the attribution of the nature of the object to be sorted includes in capturing at least one two-dimensional image wherein the object appears, using at least one sensor for electromagnetic radiation and in diffusing at least one of the two-dimensional images on a display screen that can be observed by an operator, the operator attributing a nature to the object viewed. A device able to implement the method is also described. |
| US09682400B2 |
Mask frame assembly for thin film deposition and manufacturing method thereof
A mask frame assembly for thin film deposition and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a mask frame, a plurality of first masks and a plurality of second masks. The first and second masks are alternately formed in a first direction. Two overlapped portions of each of the first and second masks are connected to both sides of the non-overlapped portion of each of the first and second mask, respectively. In addition, one overlapped portion of each first mask and one overlapped portion of each second mask overlap each other at a connection area. |
| US09682395B2 |
Slot die coating apparatus
The present application relates to a slot die coating apparatus and, more particularly, to a slot die coating apparatus which can ensure the coating stability of a substrate film by reducing pressure oscillations within a vacuum chamber when slot die coating is carried out. The slot die coating apparatus according to the present application can effectively dampen pressure oscillations within a vacuum chamber by connecting a pressure oscillation reducing tank to the vacuum chamber and thus can ensure the coating stability of a substrate film, resulting in a reduction in the proportion of defective products. |
| US09682391B2 |
Fluid or powdery product dispenser device
A dispenser device including a dispenser head (1), an outlet (10); an air expeller (20), and a reservoir (30). The reservoir includes an air inlet (31) connected to the air expeller and a composition outlet (32) connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member (40), and the composition outlet (32) is closed by a closure element (50) force fitted in the composition outlet. A mechanical opening system (61, 62) co-operates with the closure element (50) to expel it. The reservoir removably mounted on the air expeller, so that after actuation, the empty reservoir can be removed and replaced. The air expeller is returned to its rest position while an empty reservoir is replaced. A breakable part (70) is assembled on the reservoir and/or the dispenser head and includes an indicator element (71) connected by a breakable bridge (72). |
| US09682384B2 |
Electrostatic precipitator
An electrostatic precipitator may have a set of collector electrodes and a set of repelling electrodes. The conductive portions of the collector electrodes and/or the repelling may be arranged in segments. The segments may have differing electrical properties or may be electrically isolated to facilitate differing potentials along an airflow path. The differing potentials results in differing electric field strengths along the airflow path. |
| US09682383B2 |
Gas stream treatment process
A process of treating a gas stream containing at least one mercury compound or species, the process comprising: applying a composition into said gas stream ahead of a particulate matter collection device, wherein said composition contains a compound having the following formula (SiO2)x(OH)yMzSaF, wherein (i) SiO2 is an optional component; (ii) M comprises at least one of the following: boron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, silver, cadmium, tin, platinum, gold, and bismuth; (iii) S comprises a sulfur-based species selected from at least one of the following: sulfide salts, dithiocarbamates, polymer-based dithiocarbamates, and polysulfide salts; (iii) F is an optional component and comprises at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane. |
| US09682380B2 |
Mechanical exfoliation apparatus
Apparatus and system of components to mechanically exfoliate particulate materials using a multi-axis approach to deliver predetermined forces to a particulate material, including containers to hold particulate material and media, also including media, and, the associated parameters for operating such equipment along with methods and compositions provided by the apparatus and methods. |
| US09682376B2 |
Systems and devices for analysis of samples
Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described. |
| US09682374B2 |
Method for fabricating microfluidic structures
A method for fabricating microfluidic structures is provided. The method includes: a belt is provided and an adhesion layer is formed on at least one surface of the belt; the belt is cut for forming a first microfluidic channel thereon, wherein the first microfluidic channel has an accommodating space; a second microfluidic channel is provided, wherein a line-width of the second microfluidic channel is smaller than a line-width of the first microfluidic channel; the second microfluidic channel is disposed in the accommodating space of the first microfluidic channel; and a substrate is adhered to the belt via the adhesion layer. |
| US09682365B2 |
Exhaust gas purification catalyst composition and exhaust gas purification catalyst
Provided is a new catalyst that can have heightened purification performance for NOx under lean conditions. Proposed is an exhaust gas purification catalyst composition provided with: a carrier (A) comprising zirconium phosphate; a catalyst active component (a) supported on the carrier (A); a carrier (B) comprising an inorganic oxide porous body; and a catalyst active component (b) supported on the carrier (B). |
| US09682362B2 |
Process for producing water-absorbing polyacrylic acid (salt) resin
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for stably and continuously producing a water-absorbing resin, specifically, a process for stably and continuously producing a water-absorbing resin, the process including a gas absorbing step in which a gas discharged from a step of producing a water-absorbing resin is efficiently and persistently absorbed. A main point of this process for producing a water-absorbing polyacrylic acid (salt) resin further including a step of absorbing a gas discharged from a production step of the water-absorbing polyacrylic acid (salt) resin in water having a pH of 7 to 11 and a polyvalent metal ion content of 100 ppm or less or a step of absorbing the gas in water having a pH of 7 to 11, the pH of the water having been adjusted by mixing a water having an electric conductivity of 500 (μS/cm) or less at 25° C. with an alkali compound. |
| US09682357B2 |
Catalytic plate reactors
A method of controlling the temperature of autothermal microchannel reactors is disclosed. A hierarchical control structure employs a distributed temperature controller including a phase change material and a supervisory control system including the control of one or more inputs into the reactor. The phase change material acts as a fast, distributed controller, and the supervisory controller acts over a longer time horizon to mitigate persistent disturbances. A stochastic optimization method for selecting the phase change layer thickness is employed. |
| US09682356B2 |
Bubble implosion reactor cavitation device, subassembly, and methods for utilizing the same
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bubble implosion reactor cavitation device. The bubble implosion reactor cavitation device includes a tube-shaped cylindrical body including an upstream, a distal end surface and a downstream, proximal end surface. The tube-shaped cylindrical body defines an axial passage that extends through the tube-shaped cylindrical body between the upstream, distal end surface and the downstream, proximal end surface. The apparatus also includes a bubble generator subassembly connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The bubble generator subassembly is at least partially disposed within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The apparatus also includes a retaining member connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body for retaining the bubble generator subassembly within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body. |
| US09682355B2 |
Method for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes
Described herein are method for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes in a liquid. The liquid is passed through a device that generates a liquid jet containing cavitation bubbles and collides the liquid jet with an impact body or other liquid jet to force the collapse of the cavitation bubbles at a select compressive stagnation pressure. The compressive stagnation pressure of the liquid is between 50 and 99 percent of the static pressure of the liquid upon entry of a constriction that generates the liquid jet containing cavitation bubbles. |
| US09682354B2 |
Polymer blending system
A system for blending polymers and other chemicals in an aqueous liquid is provided. Static mixers and tubes, preferably in one or more tube bundles, provide a volume sufficient to allow a residence time in the system to hydrate a polymer. Static mixers may be integrated with a tube bundle. The system may be mounted on a portable base such as a trailer. The concentration of polymer and chemicals in water may be controlled by a controller. A variable speed electric pump or a metering valve may be utilized to precisely control the amount of polymers or other chemicals added to the aqueous liquid. |
| US09682351B2 |
Laboratory mixer
A laboratory mixer for mixing a sample and a diluent in a bag. An enclosure defines a mixing chamber, and at least one movable mixing element is retained for mixing the sample and the diluent within the bag. At least one liquid detector is retained relative to the enclosure for detecting liquid leaked from the bag. The sensor can be a capacitive, inductive, or optical sensor. The sensor can be a conductivity sensor with two electrodes shaped like combs and a gap less than or equal to a diameter of a drip of diluent solution. A ledge with a low point can be retained by an access door. The sensor or sensors can be disposed adjacent to the access door, on a mixing element, in direct contact with the bag, or on a tank. An alarm and cessation of operation can be triggered upon a detection of leaked liquid. |
| US09682350B2 |
Horizontal mixer with center-angled blades
A horizontal mixer (50) is disclosed. Multiple blades (92) are affixed to and rotate with a tumbler (80) of the mixer (50). These blades (92) extend within an interior mixing chamber (90) and are center-angled so as to promote a desirable mixing action within this chamber (90) (e.g. so as to fold a slurry within the chamber (90) onto itself). One characterization is that the blades (92) are oriented so as to direct a flow toward a common outlet region (78) within the tumbler (80) throughout at least a certain rotational angle. The mixer (50) is particularly suited for realizing a desirable homogeneity of particles within a slurry from which radioisotopes may be produced. |
| US09682348B2 |
Impeller apparatus and dispersion method
A method and apparatus for dispersing and entraining and controlling the residence time, absorption and release of gas bubbles or particles in a fluid without losing gas utilization efficiency from escaping surface gas events. A mechanical, rotating plurality of hollowed blades that induce both an axial and radial controlled circulatory flow and provide a means of gas introduction into the discharge flow that has a conical helical, axial and radial outward flow from the axis of rotation and allows entrained gas bubbles to be trapped as particles and recirculated by means of a circulatory flow back into the intake vortex of said mechanical, rotating plurality of blades. The flow is characterized by a forced intake vortex caused by a low pressure zone with a radial component, and subsequent axial component drawing fluid in a circular fashion toward the eye of the rotating device and impelling fluid. |
| US09682345B2 |
Method of treating a cleanroom enclosure
This invention is in the field of systems and methods for controlling contamination in high purity environments. This invention relates generally to particulate filtering and treatment of molecular contamination and process gases in enclosures, such as cleanrooms, contamination controlled manufacturing environments, mini-environments, isolators, glove boxes and restricted air barrier systems (RABS). The invention is capable of chemically transforming molecular contamination and process gases into less reactive or inert reaction products while at the same time decreasing the level of biological and nonbiological particulates. |
| US09682344B1 |
Negative carbon dioxide output vehicle
A fuel tank and a motor vehicle equipped to recapture, store and recycle atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a vehicle includes a fuel tank which stores carbon dioxide in a same area with the combustible fuel of the vehicle. The fuel tank may include one or more pistons, baffles, bladders, or fixed dividers to separate carbon dioxide storage from fuel storage within a fuel tank area. The fuel tank may share volumetric space between carbon dioxide and fuel within the fuel tank. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a carbon fiber vehicle body. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a frame of a vehicle. |
| US09682342B2 |
Method for processing fischer-tropsch off-gas
This invention concerns a method for recovering carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from Fischer-Tropsch off-gas by feeding Fischer-Tropsch off-gas through a column comprising an adsorbent bed, and discharging effluent, optionally rinsing the column and the adsorbent bed by feeding carbon dioxide and discharging effluent until at least 60% of the carbon monoxide that was present in the bed is discharged, pressurizing the column and adsorbent bed with carbon dioxide, rinsing the column and the adsorbent bed by feeding carbon dioxide, until at least 60% of the methane and optionally an amount equal to at least 50% of the carbon dioxide present at the commencement of this rinsing step is discharged, rinsing the column and adsorbent bed by feeding a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, pressurizing the column and adsorbent bed by feeding a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen. With this method a feed comprising at least 50 vol % carbon monoxide can be produced. Furthermore, methane and carbon dioxide at a high pressure can be recovered from the Fischer-Tropsch gas. This can be fed to a gasifier or a reformer. In a preferred embodiment a gas comprising at least 80 vol % hydrogen is produced as well. |
| US09682340B2 |
Systems and methods for removing particulate matter from exhaust gas streams
A system for removing particulate matter from an exhaust gas includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a drum region between the inlet and the outlet. A drum is rotatably mounted in the drum region of the housing and is aligned with the inlet and the outlet for intercepting the exhaust gas stream passing through the housing. The drum has a cylindrical shaped screen that allows the exhaust gas stream to pass through the drum while collecting the particulate matter present in the exhaust gas stream. As the screen rotates, a scraper removes the particulate matter collected on the screen. A spray fixture located inside the drum sprays fluid at the inner surface of the screen to removes any particulate matter remaining on the screen after the outer surface of the screen has been scraped. |
| US09682339B2 |
Collapsible filter with support structure
A collapsible filter having a collapsed position and an expanded position includes a filter media, a pair of end caps that are disposed at opposite ends of the filter media, and a support structure. The support structure extends generally the height of the filter between the end caps, where the support structure includes at least one leg that has a deployed position extending generally the height of the filter between the end caps when the collapsible filter is in the expanded position. The support structure further includes an engagement structure that is located at a first end and a second end of the leg, and is configured to engage the leg with the end caps along their longitudinal length. |
| US09682338B2 |
Filter frame adapter
A filter apparatus is provided. The filter apparatus includes a filter element. The filter element includes filter media supported in a frame construction. The frame construction having opposed side panels and a rectangular border flange along a first end. The rectangular border flange projects outward from and extending around the opposed side panels. The first end is an inlet end or an outlet end of the filter element. The filter apparatus includes a filter frame adapter formed separately from the frame construction and secured to the frame construction to adapt the filter element for a different mounting interface. The filter frame adapter includes a pair of complimentary adapter flanges each projecting outward relative to one of the opposed side panels. The adapter flanges are at a second end that is opposite a first end. The second end is at the inlet end or the outlet end. |
| US09682336B2 |
Impact moisture separator
An impact moisture separator for separating a liquid moisture from a compressed gas. The impact moisture separator includes a plurality of impact plates that are positioned within the inner region of the separator and may be downstream of at least one strut. The strut may be configured to disperse the flow of compressed gas. The impact plates each have a plurality of vanes that extend beyond a plate portion of the impact plates. The vanes are configured to provide a passage for the flow of compressed gases and are offset from the vanes of the adjacent, successive impact plate. Further, the impact plates and strut(s) are tilted toward the incoming flow of compressed gas so as to assist in influencing the downward flow of the compressed gas, and thereby facilitate the flow of separated liquid moisture toward a reservoir of the housing. |
| US09682334B2 |
Solid water separation to sample spray water from a continuous caster
The invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for improving the accuracy of monitors measuring the property of spray water used to cool a molten metal strand in a continuous casting operation. The method utilizes a highly effective slid-sieve to remove particles from sample water that would otherwise jam the monitor or would break the monitor. This particle removal results in the monitor providing more accurate measurements which in turn results in lower operating expenses, reduced maintenance costs, and production costs. |
| US09682331B2 |
Distillation key and method of use
A distillation key which functions as, or with, a stopper and extends into a distillation chamber with multiple rings extending out there-from is used to catch condensing vapors and prevent condensed vapors from re-condensing at a vacuum port at the bottom of the distillation chamber. The key has one or a plurality of rings which extend outwards from an elongated neck thereof, these rings situated and centered relative to vertical walls of the distillation chamber, in embodiments of the disclosed technology. |
| US09682327B2 |
Toy launcher
Disclosed herein is a toy launcher including a base having a slot and a housing movably coupled to move along the slot. The housing has a latch pivotally coupled to the housing and the latch has a first portion and a second portion. The weight of the first portion of the latch is greater than the weight of the second portion of the latch. The second portion of the latch engages with a toy and the first portion of the latch corresponds to a rear portion of the toy. A first engagement element is coupled to the base near a first end of the base and a second engagement element is coupled to the housing and movable along the slot. The second engagement element is configured to couple with the first engagement element to retain the housing in a fixed position against a force of a biasing member. A release mechanism is coupled to the base. The release mechanism is configured to disengage the first engagement element from the second engagement element so that the biasing member moves the housing and the latch away from the first engagement element and the latch pushes the toy to launch the toy from the base. |
| US09682325B2 |
Clip-on attachment that provides back support for children when on a swing that does not have back support
An attachment that provides back support for a child on a swing, where the swing does not already have a back support, is disclosed, as well as a method of using the same. |
| US09682321B2 |
Multiple frame distributed rendering of interactive content
Techniques for multiple frame distributed rendering of interactive content are described. In implementations, interactive content includes various types of visual content, such as video games, interactive videos, interactive applications, and so forth. Interactive content includes scene objects, such as graphical renderings of visual scenery and background images. Interactive content also includes interactive objects, such as avatars and/or other visuals that can be displayed in the context of scene objects and that can be manipulated in response to user input. In at least some embodiments, scene objects can be rendered over multiple frames of interactive content prior to being displayed, and interactive objects can be rendered and displayed more frequently, e.g., with each frame. |
| US09682320B2 |
Inertially trackable hand-held controller
A game controller includes an image capture unit; a body; at least one input device assembled with the body, the input device manipulable by a user to register an input from the user; an inertial sensor operable to produce information for quantifying a movement of said body through space; and at least one light source assembled with the body; and a processor coupled to the image capture unit and the inertial sensor. The processor is configured to track the body by analyzing a signal from the inertial sensor and analyzing an image of the light source from the image capture unit. The processor is configured to establish a gearing between movement of the body and actions to be applied by a computer program. |
| US09682319B2 |
Combiner method for altering game gearing
Computer implemented methods, apparatus and systems for enabling interactive interfacing with a computer game program are provided. One method provides an input device to accept and transmit user input to the computer game program. The input device enables activation of one or more gearing parameters associated with interactive components of the computer game program. In another operation, the method identifies an interactive component of the computer game program. The interactive component used to receive the transmitted user input to enable the interactive interfacing. In yet another operation the method detects user input to apply one of the gearing parameters to the interactive component if so dictated by the transmitted user input. The applied gearing parameter used to define a scaling ratio between the user input and a rate at which the interactive component reacts during execution of the computer game program. |
| US09682313B2 |
Cloud-based multi-player gameplay video rendering and encoding
Generating in real-time multiple gameplay videos in a cloud computing network of a mobile game played on multiple mobile devices is disclosed. A cloud-based video system of the cloud computing network receives gameplay state information of the mobile game played on the multiple mobile devices, where the gameplay state information associated with a mobile device describes the states of the mobile game while the game is played on the mobile device. The video system generates a gameplay map comprising the gameplay observed by the multiple mobile devices. Responsive to a viewer or a virtual director selecting the gameplay associated with a mobile device, the video system generates a gameplay video of the mobile game associated with the mobile device based on encoded audio frames and video frames of the mobile game played on the mobile device. |
| US09682311B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing a skill-based game
In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a primary game in which the gaming system provides monetary awards to a player and a secondary game in which the gaming system provides non-monetary skill units to the player. In one such embodiment, the gaming system initiates the play of the skill-based secondary game in response to a triggering even associated with a primary game of the gaming system, and forms a score for the player based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player during the play of the skill-based secondary game. The gaming system determines an amount of non-monetary skill units to provide the player based on the score, and provides the player with the non-monetary skill units. The player redeems any amount of non-monetary skill units for one or more virtual goods offered via a virtual marketplace. |
| US09682309B2 |
Powered wheeled board
Various powered wheeled board vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion. At least one front wheel can be connected with the deck under the forward portion. The front wheel can be configured to swivel about a first axis and rotate about a second axis. A powered wheel can be connected with the rearward portion. In some configurations, the rear wheel comprises a hub motor. |
| US09682307B2 |
Exercise equipment with integrated desk
An exercise apparatus include a base frame and a treadmill deck movably coupled with the base frame. The exercise apparatus also includes a desk with a working surface. The working surface is selectively positionable between a first position where the working surface lies in a first plane, and a second position where the working surface lies in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are angularly disposed relative to each other. |
| US09682298B1 |
Golf club head with adjustable weighting
A golf club head comprising a means for adjusting the location of the center of gravity is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head of the present invention comprises two channels, each having at least one shoulder portion, a floor, and a rail extending upwards from the floor. The channels intersect at a junction, and a slidable weight comprising a top portion, a mechanical fastener, and a clamping structure is disposed within at least one of the channels. When the mechanical fastener is tightened, the top portion presses against the at least one shoulder portion and pulls the clamping structure upward so that the clamping structure grips the rail. The rails are spaced from one another at the junction, and the clamping structure allows the slidable weight to be moved into either of the channels without being indexed. |
| US09682296B1 |
Golf club head with adjustable weight bar
A golf club head with means for adjusting a center of gravity along more than one axis is disclosed herein. The golf club head comprises at least one rectangular weight bar disposed within a recessed region on the sole and adjustable within the recessed region. One end of the weight bar is reversibly fixed to the sole with a connection element, while the other end includes an engagement feature that engages a retention feature at the edge of the recessed region. The retention feature provides multiple locations at the edge of the recessed region to which the engagement feature can be fixed, and when the weight bar is in a configuration desired by a golfer, the weight bar can be reversibly secured to the sole and immobilized within the recessed region by tightening the connection element. The weight bar may also include a slidable weight assembly. |
| US09682295B1 |
Multiple-material golf club head with scarf joint
A multiple-material golf club head with an improved scarf joint between the crown and the body is disclosed herein. The golf club preferably is a driver that has a metal body comprising a striking face, a sole, a return portion, a front flange, and a rear flange, and a composite crown having a scarf joint region, a transitional thickness region directly behind the scarf joint region, and a constant thickness region directly behind the transitional thickness region. The thickness distribution along the crown, in combination with the tapered edge of the scarf joint and its intersection with the front flange, greatly reduces the stress placed on critical portions of the club head and improves overall golf club head durability. |
| US09682294B2 |
Aerodynamic golf club head
An aerodynamic golf club head that produces reduced aerodynamic drag forces. A crown section imparts beneficial aerodynamic properties due in part to the location of a crown apex and the curvature of the crown section. |
| US09682293B2 |
Golf club head with flexure
A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency. A slot is included in a portion of the golf club head and works with the flexure to further tune performance. |
| US09682285B2 |
Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. |
| US09682284B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a first mid layer 10, a second mid layer 12, a third mid layer 14, and a cover 8. A volume Vinm and a Shore D hardness Hinm of the first mid layer, a volume Vm and a Shore D hardness Hm of the second mid layer, a volume Voum and a Shore D hardness Houm of the third mid layer, a volume Vc and a Shore D hardness Hc of the cover, and a volume V of an entirety of the ball meet: (a) Hinm |
| US09682271B2 |
Gymnastic exercise machine for auxotonic muscle training
A gymnastic exercise machine, particularly for anaerobic auxotonic muscle training, that includes supporting footing that is provided with a movable frame that is associated with a folding seat, the movable frame being provided with a lever that can be actuated by a user located on the folding seat in order to move the movable frame with respect to the supporting footing with consequent folding of the folding seat in contrast with the action of the weight of the user, coarse adjustment elements being further provided which are associated with the movable frame in order to reduce or increase the force required to actuate the lever. The machine further includes fine adjustment mechanisms which are associated with the movable frame in order to reduce or increase the force required to actuate the lever. |
| US09682269B2 |
Weight lifting arrangement and weight selector apparatus for a weight lifting arrangement
A weight selector apparatus includes a tube including a radially extending through opening, a body non-rotatably disposed inside the tube, a finger pivotably mounted on the body and adapted to be pivoted relative to the body between a first finger position inside the tube and a second finger position in which a portion of the finger extends outside of the tube through the radially extending through opening. A rod can be provided that has a finger engaging portion in engagement with a rod engaging portion of the finger, the rod being rotatable relative to the tube between a first rotated position in which the rod causes the finger to pivot to the first finger position and a second rotated position in which the rod causes the finger to pivot to the second finger position, and an arrangement for rotating the rod relative to the tube. A weight lifting arrangement including such a weight selector apparatus is also provided. |
| US09682265B2 |
Apparatus for use in exercise, rehabilitation and other movements in water
An exercise device for use when a person is in a pool or other water body. A central boom extends from attachment to a sidewalk around the pool, and extends to a wishbone member that forms a furcated member mounted to the central boom. The wishbone has lateral members that are parallel and spaced with hand-grippable handles at the ends farthest from the central boom, and disposed over the water. A user can grasp the handles and perform numerous exercise movements while buoyed, at least partially, by the water. A lower support member is mounted to the central boom beneath the wishbone, and a handle is mounted to the central boom between the wishbone and the lower support member. The user can rest his shoulders on the lower support member and hold the handle mounted to the boom, and perform abdominal exercises. Many other movements are possible. |
| US09682264B1 |
Trampoline enclosure and pad system
A trampoline comprising a trampoline frame having legs. The trampoline frame has a trampoline frame horizontal portion. A trampoline bed is suspended across the trampoline frame horizontal portion. Springs extend between the trampoline frame and trampoline bed. An enclosure is connected to the trampoline frame. The enclosure has an enclosure upper support. The enclosure supports an enclosure net. A pad system covers the springs. The pad system includes a wall pad extending upwardly from the springs and terminating at a pad system apex. The pad system further includes a buttress pad connected to the pad system apex at an apex angle from the wall pad, which is defined as an angle between a wall pad outside surface and the buttress pad. The buttress pad extends downwardly to cover at least partially the trampoline frame horizontal portion. |
| US09682255B2 |
Device producing test sonications for high intensity focused ultrasound and method of use
A medical apparatus (600, 700, 800) including a high intensity focused ultrasound system (602), a signaling device (628) for generating a discomfort signal during the sonication of the sonication volume, and a processor (634) for executing instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive (102) a set of sonication points (658, 904). At least one of the set of sonication points is identified as a test location (908, 912). The instructions further cause the processor to perform for each sonication point: determine (106) if it is a test location; perform (108) a test sonication (204, 304, 404, 504) if it is a test location; repeatedly test (110) for the discomfort signal during the test sonication; sonicate (114) the sonication point if it is not a test location or if the discomfort signal was not detected; and abort (112) the sonication if the discomfort signal was detected. |
| US09682248B2 |
Deep brain magnetic stimulator
A deep brain magnetic stimulator is disclosed that is placed within a vessel of the body to provide targeted location specific application of a magnetic field within the brain. The deep brain magnetic stimulator has a stimulation coil affixed to an expandable device core where the device core has a lumen to allow the passage of blood. A source of electrical energy is provided as well as related control circuitry to govern the activation of the stimulation coil and also govern such parameters as magnetic field strength, duration, waveform, and the like. |
| US09682246B2 |
System for concurrent delivery of thermobrachytherapy in the treatment of cancers
A system combines hyperthermia and radiation treatments in a single treatment modality by using a radioactive seed having magnetic properties. |
| US09682243B2 |
Battery charging termination parameter based on previous charging session duration
This disclosure describes techniques for a method of charging a battery. In an example, the method includes charging the battery during a first charging session until a first charging termination parameter value is reached. The method also includes determining, for a second charging session, a second charging termination parameter value based on a duration of the first charging session, wherein the second charging termination parameter value is different than the first charging termination parameter value. The method also includes charging the battery during the second charging session until the second charging termination parameter value is reached. |
| US09682241B2 |
Intrusion resistant implantable medical device
A medical apparatus is disclosed, at least a portion of which is configured for implantation in an animal. The medical apparatus includes a communication module configured to receive communications originating external to the animal. The medical apparatus also includes a threat assessment module configured to ascertain a malware threat characteristic of a communication received by the communication module. The medical apparatus further includes a threat mitigation module configured to implement a mitigation measure responsive to the ascertained malware threat characteristic of the received communication. |
| US09682240B2 |
Cardiac therapy based upon impedance signals
Methods and/or devices are disclosed herein for monitoring cardiac impedance signal and delivering therapy to a patient's heart based upon the monitored cardiac impedance. |
| US09682236B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein. |
| US09682231B2 |
Construction of an MRI-safe tachycardia lead
A medical device lead includes a tubular conductive element disposed over a lead body. The tubular conductive element includes at least one segment having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough in a predetermined configuration so as to affect at least one electrical property, e.g., electrical impedance, of the segment. The segment may form a shocking conductor of the medical device lead. The tubular conductive element may alternatively include proximal, intermediate and distal segments each having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough, where the one or more kerfs in each of the proximal and intermediate segments are configured so that these segments each have a higher electrical impedance than the distal segment. A layer of insulative material is disposed over the proximal and intermediate segments, so that the proximal and intermediate segments of the tubular conductive element are operable to filter electromagnetic energy from an external source. |
| US09682228B2 |
Implantable lead with flexible paddle electrode array
A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments. |
| US09682225B2 |
Polymer film bioelectrodes and methods of making and using the same
Bioelectrodes, methods of making bioelectrodes and methods of using bioelectrodes are provided. The bioelectrodes have an electrically-conductive substrate coated with an electroconductive polymer. The bioelectrode exhibits ohmic behavior over a range of about 1 Hz to about 100 KHz, where ohmic behavior means that the value of the impedance is independent of the signal frequency over the range of interest. The bioelectrode can transmit or receive an electrical signal between the electrically conductive substrate and the biological component through the conductive polymer. |
| US09682223B2 |
Drainage devices and methods for use
Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system. |
| US09682216B2 |
Anchor device for use with catheters
An anchor device to simplify catheterization procedures, particularly for insertion and maneuvering of large catheters in tortuous arteries, vessels, or other lumen is disclosed. In some embodiments, the anchor device includes an anchor stent formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a plurality of connector struts attached at a proximal end of the anchor stent, the connector struts coalescing to form a strut tip. A guide device, such as a guidewire, is attached to the anchor stent at the strut tip and may be used to guide the anchor stent into the arteries or other vessels and toward a target treatment site. |
| US09682214B2 |
Control handle with rotational cam mechanism for contraction/deflection of medical device
A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally. Actuation of the puller wire by means of the control assembly can result in a change of the distal member's configuration, including deflection, contraction and/or expansion. |
| US09682213B2 |
Insertion portion rigidity changeable catheter and operation method of endoscope system
An insertion portion rigidity changeable catheter with a balloon has an insertion portion including a coil-shaped member which is extensible and contractible, with a compression length set to be a predetermined length, and a sheath which is a tube body with flexibility having a fluid conduit, includes a sheath main body surrounded by the coil-shaped member, and a sheath end portion provided at one end side of the sheath main body, and having a contact surface which one end surface of the coil-shaped member contacts, has one opening of the fluid conduit in the sheath end portion and has another opening of the fluid conduit at another end side of the sheath main body, an inflatable/deflatable balloon which is inflated by being supplied with a fluid via the one opening of the fluid conduit to expand to a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the sheath end portion, and is deflated by the fluid being discharged via the one opening to be brought into close contact with an outer circumferential face of the sheath end portion, and an operation section which is fixedly provided at another end side of the sheath, and includes an operation section main body including a fluid supply and discharge apparatus connection portion which is directly or indirectly connected to a fluid supply and discharge apparatus which performs supply of the fluid into the balloon via the fluid conduit, or discharge, and a slide member which is slidably disposed in an inner surface side of the operation section main body, and is disposed at another end side of the operation section main body by an elastic force of the coil-shaped member, wherein the fluid supply and discharge apparatus connection portion is fixed to the operation section main body, and the slide member is provided to freely advance and retract with respect to the fluid supply and discharge apparatus connection portion. |
| US09682203B2 |
Inhaler system for volatile substances
The invention relates to a depot for storing and dispensing a substance into a gas phase, having a hybrid structure made of an open-pored macroporous support skeleton, through which a gas can flow, and nanoporous particles immobilized on the support skeleton, which in the pores thereof contain at least one active ingredient to be released, wherein the support skeleton consists of particles or fibers that are permanently connected to each other. |
| US09682202B2 |
Adapter, inhalation device, and atomizer
An inhalation device includes: a chamber for intermediate storage of an aerosol, a first connection for a nebuliser that produces the aerosol, a second connection on a patient side for delivering the aerosol, and a third connection for breathable air, where the chamber is fluidically connected in a valve-free manner on an inlet side to the first connection when the nebuliser is attached, and the chamber is connected to the third connection in parallel on the inlet side via an inlet valve so that the breathable air from the third connection flows into the chamber. |
| US09682201B2 |
Negatively biased sealed nebulizer systems and methods
Methods, systems, and devices are described for creating a negative bias pressure within a liquid reservoir. Embodiments may include providing a liquid reservoir coupled with an aerosol generator. The liquid reservoir may be sealed to create the sealed reservoir. An ambient pressure may be maintained while the liquid reservoir is being sealed and the ambient pressure may be maintained in the sealed liquid reservoir until a portion of the liquid is dispensed. Further, embodiments may include vibrating the aperture plate to dispense the portion of the liquid. The portion of the liquid dispensed may decreases the amount of the liquid in the sealed reservoir. By decreasing the amount of liquid in the sealed reservoir, a negative bias pressure between an air side and a liquid side of the aperture plate may be created. |
| US09682199B2 |
Priming method for infusion device
Described is drug infusion device and lineset for delivering medication. The novel pump and lineset described herein eliminate the ability of the pump and lineset from being primed when the cartridge reservoir is in fluid communication with the drug-delivering cannula, through which medication is delivered, is inserted into the skin of a patient. The system and method of the invention include a lineset having a plurality of electrical leads for allowing electrical communication between the infusion pump and the infusion set and for allowing the pump to determine whether the lineset is connected to the infusion set when a priming operation is initiated. |
| US09682194B2 |
Re-useable auto-injector with filling means
An injection device having a first sub-assembly comprises a housing and a chamber. The chamber is disposed within the housing and has proximal and distal ends, an inner surface and an exit aperture. The sub-assembly comprises a stopper movably disposed within the chamber. The stopper has an outer surface substantially in contact with the inner surface about its perimeter. The sub-assembly comprises a port adapted to receive a container containing a fluid. The stopper is fixed with respect to the housing and movement of the port causes movement of the exit aperture in relation to the stopper. |
| US09682193B2 |
Drug delivery systems and methods
Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient's heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems. |
| US09682184B2 |
Materials for removal of toxins in sorbent dialysis and methods and systems using same
A sorbent dialysis cartridge is provided for removal of uremic toxins from dialysate wherein the sorbent cartridges can use non-enzymatic urea-binding materials in place of urease. The cartridge can have a first sorbent layer loaded with a polymerizable urea complexing agent and a second sorbent layer loaded with a crosslinker. The crosslinker can be crosslinkable with a soluble urea complex reaction product of the polymerizable urea complexing agent and urea when passing through the first sorbent layer to form a crosslinked polymeric urea complex which is attachable to the second sorbent layer. In another option, a sorbent layer can be used which has an insolubilized crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex attached thereto, wherein the crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex can be a reaction product of a crosslinker and polymerizable urea complexing agent. Methods and sorbent dialysis systems using the cartridge, and methods of making the sorbent material, are provided. |
| US09682179B2 |
Device for vacuum treatment of wounds
A device for vacuum treatment of wounds, the device having a disposable canister for receiving a suctioned wound exudate, and a vacuum pump. The disposable canister is designed to partially enclose the vacuum pump, which is inserted into the canister, and to thereby fix it against movements in non-inserting directions. The structure of the device is used mainly in a stationary mode and occasionally is used in a mobile mode when worn by patients. |
| US09682172B2 |
Bone delivery system having a therapeutic agent
A covering for delivering a therapeutic agent to a surgical site is provided. The covering may include a single or multi-compartment structure configured to at least partially retain the therapeutic agent until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the covering comprises an antimicrobial agent, a hemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or a growth factor. |
| US09682167B2 |
Carboxymethylcellulose polyethylene glycol compositions for medical uses
Compositions and method of manufacturing carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, the functional groups of a bi-functional PEG molecule (PEG diglycidyl ether) are attached to different CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles, and lubricants of tissues and medical instruments. |
| US09682163B2 |
Method and apparatus for the sterilization of plastics material pre-forms with tempered housing
A method and apparatus for the sterilization of plastics material pre-forms, wherein the plastics material pre-forms are conveyed by a conveying device along a pre-determined conveying path and are sterilized at least for a time during this conveying by being acted upon with a flowable sterilization agent, wherein the plastics material pre-forms are conveyed at least for a time inside a housing. According to the method and apparatus, at least one portion of the housing is heated at least for a time and/or during the sterilization procedure by a heating source independent of the sterilization agent. |
| US09682152B2 |
Interferon-alpha fusion protein in which cytoplasmic transduction peptide and polyethylene glycol are bonded to one another
The present invention relates to IFN-α fusion protein in which a cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are bonded to an IFN-α protein. The IFN-α fusion protein of the present invention is characterized in that the specific activity of interferon remains high, the half-life of the INF-α fusion protein is extended when delivered in vivo, and the mobility of the interferon in a liver is improved. The IFN-α fusion protein of the present invention can be used in the development of protein drugs effective in preventing or treating liver diseases, including various types of viral infections or the like. |
| US09682138B2 |
Recombinant feline leukemia virus vaccine containing optimized feline leukemia virus envelope gene
The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. |
| US09682137B2 |
Mutant human and simian immunodeficiency virus ENV proteins with reduced immunosuppressive properties
A pharmaceutical composition includes, as active substance a mutated lentiviral ENV protein, substantially devoid of immunosuppressive properties or a variant of the mutated lentiviral ENV protein or a fragment of the above proteins, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US09682134B2 |
Movable wall panel system with electrical connections
A movable wall panel system induces a plurality of movable wall panels. A first electrical connector of one panel is automatically coupled to a second electrical connector of an adjacent panel as the panels are moved from a folded storage position to an extended use position to electrically couple the adjacent panels together automatically. At least one of the plurality of panels has an electrical receptacle coupled to its associated first and second electrical connectors to provide an electrical power outlet. |
| US09682132B2 |
Compositions and methods relating to argininosucccinate synthetase
Processes and compositions for the therapeutic treatment of pathogenic Gram-negative bacterial infection are provided whereby arginino succinate synthetase or PEGylated arginino succinate synthetase is administered to a subject to inactivate endotoxin thereby reducing the likelihood of bacterial sepsis and improving patient outcome. |
| US09682126B2 |
Postprandial gastrokinetic agent
To provide a therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorder such as diabetic gastroparesis. A postprandial gastrokinetic agent containing (A) ghrelin or a ghrelin agonist and (B) motilin or a motilin agonist as active ingredients, in which both the ingredients (A) and (B) are administered so as to act on the stomach after food intake. |
| US09682123B2 |
Methods of treating metabolic disease
The invention provides methods for treating metabolic disease in a subject and methods for increasing the expression of ILDR2 in a subject. The invention further provides a method for identifying an agent which modulates expression of an Ildr2 RNA comprising contacting a cell with an agent; determining expression of the Ildr2 RNA in the presence and the absence of the agent; and comparing expression of the Ildr2 RNA in the presence and the absence of the agent, wherein a change in the expression of the Ildr2 RNA in the presence of the agent is indicative of an agent which modulates the level of expression of the RNA. |
| US09682121B2 |
Application of irisin in myocardial ischemia reperfusion
The invention discloses application of irisin in the preparation of drugs for preventing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injuries. Experimental results show that irisin can decrease the myocardial infarction area caused by ischemia reperfusion, reduce the increase of the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), and other myocardial enzyme markers caused by ischemia reperfusion, meanwhile reducing the inflammatory response, myocardial apoptosis, and oxidative stress response caused by myocardial ischemia reperfusion, promote peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor γ nuclear translocation, and inhibit nuclear transcription factor NF-κB nuclear translocation and accordingly decrease myocardial structure injuries and load increase caused by ischemia reperfusion. Therefore, irisin can be used for preventing and decreasing myocardial reperfusion injuries and has important clinical significance on the treatment of myocardial ischemia. |
| US09682120B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders involving epithelial cell apoptosis
The present invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic compositions for use in treating and preventing disorders involved epithelial cell apoptosis, such as gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) in a subject, such as a human patient. |
| US09682115B2 |
Herbal compositions for the prevention or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and related disorders
Provided in one embodiment is an herbal composition for the prevention or treatment of disorders of the prostate, for example, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and for overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence (UI), nocturia, poor urinary stream, and straining to urinate associated with these prostate disorders. Specifically one embodiment provides compositions that contain Crateva nurvala, Equisetum arvense, Lindera aggregata, and Serenoa repens, and methods of use thereof. |
| US09682112B2 |
Ultrasound-assisted continuous extraction for complete fragmentation of cocoa beans into fractions
A process for the complete fractionation of cocoa beans with ‘zero waste’ into various value-added ingredients, a composition having cocoa polyphones/procyanidins and soluble dietary fiber, and a water dispersible and sustained release formulation of cocoa polyphones with cocoa soluble dietary fiber capable of forming a colloidal dispersion of bioactive cocoa polyphones in gastric fluid. |
| US09682104B2 |
Lyophilized platelet lysates
The present disclosure is drawn to compositions and methods of making and using lyophilized platelet lysates. Specifically, a method of preparing a composition suitable for therapeutic use or as a culture medium can comprise steps of concentrating platelets from a platelet source to form a platelet rich portion of the platelet source, and lysing the platelets in the platelet rich portion to form a plurality of lysates. An additional step includes lyophilizing the lysates to form lyophilized platelet lysates in a composition with released concentrations of available growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. In one example, at 30%, by platelet count, of platelets from a platelet source can be lysed using this process. |
| US09682098B2 |
Compounds suited as nanocarriers for active agents and their use
The invention relates to a compound suited as entity carrier, having the general formula (I) wherein X is an amine-containing residue further defined herein. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds, a nanocarrier system, a kit comprising such compounds and methods for gene silencing and anti-cancer treatment. |
| US09682096B2 |
Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) formulations for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections
The present invention concerns a composition comprising micro particles of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) and a carrier polymer selected from starch, alginate, blanose or DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) for use in preventing and/or treating viral infections of the upper respiratory tract or the common cold and a device, preferably a nasal delivery system, comprising said composition for use by a patient in need to prevent and/or treat infections or the common cold. |
| US09682090B2 |
Methods for treating and preventing prostate cancer bone metastases
Methods for treating a subject having a prostate cancer bone metastasis are disclosed. Methods for prophylactically treating a subject at risk of developing a prostate cancer bone metastasis are also disclosed. The methods for treating a subject having, or at risk of developing, a prostate cancer bone metastasis may include administering a prostatic acid phosphatase inhibiting agent to the subject. The methods for treating a subject having, or at risk of developing, a prostate cancer bone metastasis may also include administering a phosphonic acid to the subject. Further, the phosphonic acid may include a benzylaminophosphonic acid, such as [phenyl[(phenylmethyl)amino]methyl]-phosphonic acid). |
| US09682087B2 |
Nestorone®/estradiol transdermal gel
The invention discloses compositions and methods for ensuring in both women of fertile age where it ensures also a contraception with additional health benefits and in postmenopausal women where it offers a hormonal therapy with additional medical benefits such as the potential for lower risk of thrombosis. The aforementioned compositions comprising NES as a potent progestational and antiovulatory agent with no androgenic nor estrogenic nor glucocorticoid effect, and combined with estradiol formulated for non-oral transdermal administration as specific daily doses. |
| US09682086B2 |
Molybdenum compounds for use in the treatment of cyanide poisoning
The present invention relates to compositions comprising molybdenum compounds, novel molybdenum compounds, kits and methods for their preparation. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising molybdenum compounds for use in the treatment of cyanide poisoning in mammals, in particular humans. |
| US09682085B2 |
Anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (anti-PCSK9) compounds and methods of using the same in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Disclosed are compounds that modulate the physiological action of the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), as well as therapeutic methods for use of such compounds to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels and/or for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Examples of compounds include thiadiazole, isoxazole, 1,2,4-triazole, thiazole, indole, pyrazole, and pyrrolinone derivatives. |
| US09682084B2 |
Crystalline forms of (2R,5S,13AR)-8-hydroxy-7,9,-dioxo-N-(2,4,6-trifluorobenzyl)-2,3,4,5,7,9,13,13a-octahydro-2,5-methanopyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepine-10-carboxamide
The present invention relates to crystalline forms and co-crystals of (2R,5S,13aR)-8-hydroxy-7,9-dioxo-N-(2,4,6-trifluorobenzyl)-2,3,4,5,7,9,13,13a-octahydro-2,5-methanopyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepine-10-carboxamide, the pharmaceutical formulations, and the therapeutic uses thereof. The present invention also relates to novel crystalline forms of sodium (2R,5S,13aR)-7,9-dioxo-10-((2,4,6-trifluorobenzyl)carbamoyl)-2,3,4,5,7,9,13,13a-octahydro-2,5-methanopyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepin-8-olate Form I. |
| US09682072B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of lung dysfunction
Described are compositions and methods for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a symptom of an airway disorder. In certain aspects, the airway disorder may be one characterized by one or more conditions, such as goblet cell metaplasia, lung tissue inflammation, increased airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hyperplasia, decreased airway resistance, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The compositions and methods may be useful for the treatment of an airway disorder such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), allergic disorders, pulmonary inflammatory diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and/or interstitial lung diseases. |
| US09682064B2 |
Compounds for the treatment of mycobacterial infections
The invention relates to compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof: |
| US09682059B2 |
Phenyl carbamate compounds for use in preventing or treating epilepsy or epilepsy-related syndrome
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating a epilepsy or epilepsy-related syndrome, for example an intractable epilepsy or its related syndrome such as drug-resistant epilepsy, comprising the phenyl carbamate compound as an active ingredient, and a use of the phenyl carbamate compound for preventing and/or treating epilepsy or epilepsy-related syndrome. |
| US09682056B2 |
Oleacein for treating or preventing diseases resulting from atherosclerotic plaques
A description and explanation is provided of the use of oleacein, especially this obtained from Ligustrum vulgare L., in the manufacturing of a preparation for the treatment and prevention of diseases that are consequences of the atherosclerotic plaque degradation. Such diseases include in particular those selected from the following group: ischemic brain stroke, heart attack and ischemic heart disease. |
| US09682055B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising DGLA and use of same
The present disclosure provides orally deliverable pharmaceutical compositions comprising DGLA and to methods of using same to treat a variety of conditions and disorders. |
| US09682054B2 |
Medium-chain length fatty acids, glycerides and analogues as stimulators of erythropoiesis
Use of a composition comprising a compound of any of formulae I, II, Ila, III and Illa; or a combination thereof wherein each R1 is independently C7-11 alkyl; A and B are independently H or CO—R1; R2 is H or C1-4 alkyl; M is a metal monocation (k=1) or dication (k=2); Y is 0 or NH; and Z is 0, NH, CH2O or a bond; for the manufacture of a medicament for stimulating erythropoiesis. Preferably, the composition further comprises human erythroporietin. |
| US09682053B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating metabolic pathways
Compositions and methods useful for inducing an increase in fatty acid oxidation or mitochondrial biogenesis, reducing weight gain, inducing weight loss, or increasing Sirt1, Sirt3, or AMPK activity are provided herein. Such compositions can contain synergizing amounts of a sirtuin-pathway activators, including but not limited to resveratrol, in combination with beta-hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), keto isocaproic acid (KIC), leucine, or combinations of HMB, KIC and leucine. |
| US09682051B2 |
Acyclovir and meloxicam combination therapy for functional somatic syndromes
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a therapeutically-effective amount of the antiviral compound acyclovir and a therapeutically-effective amount of the COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam. The invention is further related to methods of treating functional somatic syndromes by administering a therapeutically-effective combination of acyclovir and meloxicam. |
| US09682048B1 |
Multi-component formulations for the treatment of cognitive decline including Alzheimer's disease
A multi-component formulation for the treatment, delay, and/or prevention of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease, and/or other neurodegenerative diseases. One embodiment of the multi-component formulation comprises methylsulfonylmethane, at least one energy source component, and at least one of an herbal component or a nutritional component. In one formulation, the energy source component is fructose 1,6-disphosphate. An herbal component of at least one formulation is curcumin. In one further formulation, a nutritional component is selected from the group consisting of docosahexaenoic acid, resveratrol, and blueberry. |
| US09682040B2 |
Phospholipid depot
The present invention provides a clear depot comprising at least one hydrophilic water-soluble pharmaceutically active agent selected from the group consisting of vancomycin, gentamicin, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a mixture thereof, water, a phospholipid, an oil, optionally a pH adjusting agent, and a viscosity modifying agent selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, and a mixture thereof, wherein the water present in the depot is no more than about 4 wt % relative to the total weight of the depot and the depot has a pH of between about 3 and about 6, method of making and administering same. |
| US09682032B2 |
Cranial delivery of pharmaceuticals
A method for rapid delivery of an active compound to innervate a cranial nerve of a subject. Also provided is a method for treating a disease or condition by topically applying a pharmaceutical composition to the face excluding the palpebral part of the eye, in an amount effective for treating the disease or condition. |
| US09682030B2 |
Method for preparing polysaccharide of green tea and cosmetic composition for skin whitening, moisturization and anti-wrinkle effects comprising the polysaccharide
Disclosed is a method for preparing polysaccharides of green tea, and more particularly to a method for preparing polysaccharides of green tea comprising the steps of: a) removing chlorophyll and a low molecular weight polyphenol from green tea powder using a solvent; b) hot-water extracting a water-soluble active ingredient from the green tea residue of step a); and c) separating the polysaccharides of green tea from the hot-water extract of step b) by ultrafiltration and ethanol precipitation. Also, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for skin whitening, moisturization and anti-wrinkle effects comprising the polysaccharides of green tea as an effective ingredient. |
| US09682028B2 |
Personal care photoprotective compositions with tricyclodecane amides
A personal care photoprotective composition is provided having a UV-A and UV-B sunscreen in conjunction with a tricyclodecane amide. The tricyclodecane amide functions to boost UV-A, UV-B and SPF performance when the personal care composition is applied to skin or hair of the human body. |
| US09682025B2 |
Combination of active agents for oral administration for improving the quality of nails
The invention relates to the cosmetic use, by oral administration, of a combination of active agents including at least petroselinic acid and at least one active agent selected from among taurine, arginine, cysteine, zinc, a salt thereof, and lycopene, for improving the quality of nails, specifically the microvascularization of the nails, in particular in pre-hypertensive individuals. |
| US09682018B2 |
Denture tooth and material
The present invention relates to a dental polymer composition, in particular to a polymerizable resin composition combining comonomers capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonding with one or more hydrophobic comonomers. Polymers employing the present resin system exhibit high mechanical strength properties that are retained in the presence of water. |
| US09682011B2 |
Movable medical case
A movable medical case includes a medical case housing, a medicine box and drawers. The drawers are installed inside the medicine box. The medicine box is installed inside the medical case housing. Drawer driving devices are installed in the medical case housing. The drawer driving devices pass through the medicine box and are detachably connected with the drawers, and the drawers are driven to get out of or enter the medical case housing. |
| US09682003B2 |
Achilles stretching devices and methods performed therewith
Therapeutic devices and methods stretching the Achilles tendon. Each device includes base and wedge portions. The wedge portion has heel and toe ends, inside-foot and outside-foot edges, and an upper surface that includes a planar surface portion that lies in a wedge plane and an arcuate surface portion defined by a projection that extends out of the wedge plane. The wedge plane has a nonuniform elevation relative to the base portion as a result of the wedge portion having a fore-aft taper in the fore-aft direction and a lateral taper in the lateral direction. The fore-aft taper and the lateral taper are sufficient so that placement of a user's foot on the upper surface of the wedge portion causes supination and locking of the foot and enables stretching of the Achilles complex, while the arch of the user's foot is against and supported by the arcuate surface portion. |
| US09682002B2 |
Exercise device assembly
An exercise device assembly including an adjustable exercise device and a bed adapter is disclosed. The bed adapter may include a main body defining a first side and a second side. The main body may be provided with a first plurality of receptacles and a second plurality of receptacles that are for receiving and securing support members of the exercise device. In one aspect, the receptacles have a sidewall connecting the main body first side to a recessed support surface of the receptacle such that the support members of the exercise device are securely retained on the bed adapter. |
| US09682000B2 |
Methods and apparatus for body weight support system
A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operative coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism. |
| US09681998B2 |
Absorbent product with intergluteal cleft facing portion elastic member
Provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper that is improved in a fit to a part from the intergluteal cleft to the crotch of a wearer and less prone to give a wearer a puffy and discomfort feeling at a crotch portion during wearing, provided is an underpants-type disposable diaper, wherein the back body part has at an intergluteal cleft facing portion a bending fit portion which is bent so as to enter into the intergluteal cleft of a wearer. |
| US09681997B2 |
Dual-function fastening member fold configuration for disposable diapers
A disposable diaper having fastening members with an advantageous folding configuration is disclosed. The fastening members may be imparted with two longitudinal folds to create a z-fold configuration that serves dual functions of consolidating the fastening members for purposes of protecting them in manufacturing and packaging processes downstream of the point at which the fastening members are included on the diaper, and providing the consumer with easy access and manipulability of the fastening member at the time the diaper is to be applied to a baby. |
| US09681994B2 |
Electrically conductive skin covering elements
Skin covering elements utilize conductive regions including electrically conductive materials may be arranged to enable a user to actuate a capacitive touchscreen such as through a centrally arranged absorptive pad and/or laterally through a carrier. Embodiments directed to adhesive bandages and athletic tapes are provided. A method includes applying an adhesive bandage to a user and depressing a portion of the bandage against a surface of a capacitive touchscreen to control or operate a function of an electronic device. Conductive regions may be also arranged to communicate with an electrical interface, such as for resistive heating of skin of a user and/or providing communication with one or more sensors. |
| US09681992B2 |
Wound care device
The present invention relates to a wound care device, and more specifically to an absorbent wound care device and a method for making the same. The wound care device is obtainable by bringing together a first material and an acidic substance to form an intermediate device, which first material does not substantially gel when exposed to a fluid but does gel when brought together with an acidic substance and exposed to a fluid, and exposing the intermediate device to ethylene oxide. |
| US09681991B1 |
Adjustable pressure leg wrap
A leg wrap to exert pressure on the lower leg, comprising lower leg sized fabric extending generally vertically to provide left and right tightenable sections, at least one of the sections carrying at least two vertically spaced straps extending generally horizontally and sidewardly of the other section, at least two straps configured to be adjustably connected to that other section in progressively wrap-tightening relation, about the lower leg, the sections consisting at least in part of elastically stretchable porous material allowing air passage through that material to ventilate wrapped portions of the lower leg. Strap compression indicating markers are also provided. |
| US09681988B2 |
Silent effusion removal
A method is disclosed for clearing effusion from an ear. The method may include applying liquid to an ear canal, which is proximal to a perforated tympanic membrane, which is proximal to a middle ear containing effusion, applying an ear device to seal and pressurize the liquid inside the ear canal, the ear device regulating the amount of pressure inside the ear canal, and inducing a Eustachian tube, which is distal to the middle ear, to open, which causes the fluid to displace the effusion into the Eustachian tube. |
| US09681987B2 |
Interchangeable lens goggle adaptable to prevent fogging
Anti-fog, interchangeable-lens goggle adapted for use with a battery comprising: a body with a flexible posterior portion for engaging a user's face and an anterior portion; a lens having a resistive anti-fog element thereon, the lens adapted for engaging the anterior portion of the body; an engagement mechanism for releasably interconnecting the lens and the body; an interconnection mechanism depending from the body adapted for detachably interconnecting the heating element of the lens and the battery, the interconnection means operable or integral with the engagement mechanism such that interconnecting the heating element of the lens with the battery also reinforces interconnecting of the lens with the semi-rigid anterior portion of the body; and a strap adapted for holding the goggle on one of a user's head and helmet. |
| US09681984B2 |
Method of altering the refractive properties of an eye
The present invention relates to a method of altering the refractive properties of the eye, the method including applying a substance to a cornea of an eye, the substance configured to facilitate cross linking of the cornea, irradiating the cornea so as to activate cross linkers in the cornea, and altering the cornea so as to change the refractive properties of the eye. |
| US09681983B2 |
Debris clearance system for an ocular implant
An IOP control system for treatment of an ocular condition includes a drainage device sized for implantation into the eye of the patient, the drainage device including a fluid flow pathway to allow the flow of fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. The drainage device also includes a flow system disposed within the drainage device and including a displaceable portion forming a part of the fluid flow pathway, the displaceable portion being displaceable via a magnetic field. An actuation system may be physically separate from the drainage device and may be configured to cooperate with the displaceable portion to displace the displaceable portion via the magnetic field to set free buildup or debris in the flow pathway. |
| US09681982B2 |
Wearable user interface for use with ocular surgical console
An ocular surgical system includes a surgical console having a fluidics subsystem, an input pedal subsystem, and a phacoemulsification subsystem. It also includes a wearable user interface in communication with the console. The wearable user interface comprising an interface display having a centrally disposed surgical viewing area and having a peripheral data display region configured to display data relating to the surgery or the console. The peripheral data display region may display information received from the surgical console. |
| US09681979B2 |
Independent magnetically-multiplexed heating of portions of a target
A predetermined spatial locale is selectively operationally stimulated through local heating by exposing magnetic particle(s) associated with such local to alternating magnetic field parameters of which are chosen to generate hysteretic losses in magnetic particle(s). When different types of particles are associated with different locales such as different biological cells, different cells can be accessed and stimulated independently from one another. Switching between stimulation of first and second types of cells is carried out by changing parameters of stimulating magnetic field, while optionally maintaining the field strength-frequency product substantially constant. Embodiments facilitate multiplexed release of chemical payloads, triggering changes in electrical polarization, and changing a shape of a unit placed at the chosen locale. |
| US09681974B2 |
Intragastric implants with collapsible frames
Transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods for operation thereof are described which occupy space within a stomach and/or stimulate the stomach wall. The transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight. Features of the devices include insertion transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. The devices have the capacity to vary in size and are desirably self-actuating in that they change shape and/or volume using internal motors or actuators. The changing character of the devices helps prevent the person's stomach from compensating for the implant, such as sometimes happens with static intragastric devices. |
| US09681973B2 |
Enhanced explant processes and mechanisms for intragastric devices
A sealing device attached to an intragastric balloon device having a head flexibly attached to a body by a pivot portion, where the pivot portion provides the head with a closed state and an open state relative to the body and the intragastric device. The sealing device having one or more plugs configured to seal an aspiration port of a lumen when the head is in a closed state and further configured to release the aspiration port of the lumen when the head is in an open state. |
| US09681968B2 |
Stent which is reduceable again in its diameter from an expanded state in a controlled manner
A catheter for detachably receiving an expandable and/or decollapsible or unfoldable, respectively, implant, in particular a stent may include at least one assembly for controlling the expansion and/or the unfolding or decollapsing, respectively, of the implant from a first diameter to a second diameter and/or its return back from the second diameter to the first diameter. Furthermore, an implant, in particular a stent, and a set including a catheter and an implant are proposed. |
| US09681966B2 |
Method of manufacturing a tubular medical implant
A method of manufacturing a tubular medical implant is provided. The method includes forming a hollow first tube with a first diameter and a first plurality of pores formed thereon and a hollow second tube with a second unstretched diameter and a second plurality of pores formed thereon. The second unstretched diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least a portion of the first tube slides within the second tube to create an overlapped area of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube and second tube are then bonded together in the overlapped area. |
| US09681965B2 |
Barbed anchors for attachment to endoluminal prosthesis
An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure having a plurality of struts and an anchor that is attachable to the support structure. The anchor includes an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body. The anchor body includes a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a middle section. The middle section includes a plurality of open portions arranged in a plurality of arrays around the anchor body. |
| US09681964B2 |
Socket system including a vacuum liner for prosthetic or orthotic devices and associated methods
The socket system includes a socket and a vacuum liner. A one-way valve is positioned within the closed distal end of the socket and provides controlled fluid communication between the interior socket space and an external environment. The closed distal end of the vacuum liner includes a distal portion formed of a higher durometer elastomeric material than the surrounding portions of the liner, and including a concave section extending from an external surface thereof towards the interior liner space. The socket, on the interior of the closed distal end thereof, includes a receiving portion that corresponds to and receives the distal portion of the vacuum liner (e.g. matching the perimeter and depth of the distal portion). The receiving portion includes a bottom surface (e.g. a flat surface) opposite to the concave section of the vacuum liner when received therein, and defining an exterior liner space therewith. |
| US09681955B2 |
Application of diffusion hardened material
An implant having components comprising an oxidized zirconium bearing surface adapted to decrease pain, lower friction, and minimize wear when coupled with natural femoral articular cartilage. The implant components also provide for reduced backside wear effects in fixed and mobile implants. The implant components further provide for more ideal wear coupling between components in mobile bearing implants. |
| US09681954B2 |
Joint prosthesis system with positionable head
A prosthesis system includes at least one stem including a cavity, a plurality of heads having a head coupling portion, at least one first coupler including a first upper coupling portion and a first lower coupling portion, the first upper coupling portion configured to couple with the head coupling portion of each of the plurality of heads and the first lower coupling portion configured to couple with the stem with a predetermined version angle and a predetermined inclination angle, and at least one second coupler including a second upper coupling portion and a second lower coupling portion, the second upper coupling portion configured to couple with the head coupling portion of each of the plurality of heads and the second lower coupling portion configured to couple with the stem with any of a plurality of version angles and any of a plurality of inclination angles. |
| US09681951B2 |
Prosthesis with outer skirt and anchors
A prosthesis can be configured to grasp intralumenal tissue when deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the body cavity, and an outer skirt positioned annularly around an exterior of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the outer skirt can extend outward from the frame and be secured to an outwardly extending anchor on the frame to create an axial barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the body cavity. |
| US09681949B2 |
Collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve cuff designs and complementary technological applications
A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. |
| US09681948B2 |
Heart anchor device
A medical implant including an anchor portion including a plurality of arms adapted to engage an internal tissue wall of a body from two opposite faces, wherein the anchor portion is configured such that at least one of the arms does not have an entirely overlapping arm on the other side of the wall and an opening portion adapted to define an opening for blood flow through the internal tissue wall, when the anchor portion engages the wall. |
| US09681947B2 |
Intraocular lens delivery system with temperature control
An intraocular lens delivery system has an injector body, a plunger, a nozzle portion, and a heater. The plunger is slidably movable within the injector body. The nozzle portion is located on a distal end of the injector body and has a hollow interior adapted for receiving the intraocular lens. The heater is integrated with the intraocular lens delivery system and is adapted to heat the intraocular lens. |
| US09681946B2 |
Modular intraocular lens designs and methods
A modular IOL system including intraocular primary and secondary components, which, when combined, form an intraocular optical correction device, wherein the secondary component is placed on the primary component within the perimeter of the capsulorhexis, thus avoiding the need to touch or otherwise manipulate the capsular bag. The secondary component may be manipulated, removed, and/or exchanged for a different secondary component for correction or modification of the optical result, on an intra-operative or post-operative basis, without the need to remove the primary component and without the need to manipulate the capsular bag. The primary component may have haptics extending therefrom for centration in the capsular bag, and the secondary component may exclude haptics, relying instead on attachment to the primary component for stability. Such attachment may include actuatable interlocking members. |
| US09681945B2 |
Double accommodating intraocular accordion lens
A Double Accommodating Intraocular Lens (DAIOL), which not only axially moves its flexible optic to accommodate, but also peripherally compresses or decompresses the optic to change its convexity or power, thus, double accommodating simultaneously upon contraction or expansion of the ciliary muscles and subsequently the lens capsule. The DAIOL includes a deployable semi-rigid or elastic haptic assembly and a flexible single optic. The DAIOL is further composed of three or four ring haptics and three or four deployable resilient lazy tongs, attached to a single elastically flexible plate encompassing a flexible optic. Accordingly, the radial compression of the capsular bag by the contraction of the ciliary muscles axially moves and radially compresses the flexible optic in the lens and vice versa upon radial expansion of the capsular bag, backward axial movement, and decompression of the optic, due to the resilient lazy tongs action, for double accommodation. |
| US09681941B2 |
Endotine breast reconstruction device and methods
Methods and devices are disclosed for breast reconstruction surgery. An implantable fixation device is attached to pectoralis muscle tissue and a tissue graft that forms a sling for supporting a tissue expander or permanent breast implant. The implantable fixation device provides flap stabilization of overlying skin and reduces breast reconstruction complications such as seroma formation. |
| US09681934B2 |
Use of a semi-occlusive flexible flat wound dressing for treating wounds in animals
The invention relates to the use of a semi-occlusive flexible flat wound dressing having a wound contacting layer consisting of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer component in which hydrophilic polymers are embedded, for treating contaminated wounds in animals, in particular in the region of the body limbs. |
| US09681932B2 |
Intraoral biofilm control apparatus
An intraoral biofilm control apparatus including a suction unit, a suction chamber positioned within and in communication with an inner space of the suction unit, a tubular connection member operably connected to and extending into the suction chamber, and an angular head member adjustably connected to an upper end of the tubular connection member is provided. The suction chamber, in communication with the suction unit, creates a negative air pressure in an inner space of the suction chamber. The angular head member in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the tubular connection member, contacts and suctions the intraoral biofilm from the intraoral areas into the inner space of the suction chamber when the negative air pressure is created. The angular head member having an angularly curved suction tip configurably accesses the intraoral areas. The angular head member having a suction plate suctions the intraoral biofilm from intraoral tongue areas. |
| US09681931B2 |
Molded member made of form-stabilized material and method for the manufacture thereof
Molded member made of form-stabilized material, comprising at least one first component and one second component, characterized in that the second component has a different pigmentation than the first component and the second component is disposed inside the first element, forming a boundary surface, in such a way that the boundary surface represents a spatially curved surface. |
| US09681926B2 |
Medical pendant lifting system
The present invention relates to a medical pendant lifting system, comprising a main frame, a driving device, a transmission device, a main body component, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod and a connecting head, wherein the driving device drives the main body component and the third connecting rod via the transmission device; the driving device is connected to the main frame by a first rotating shaft; the main body component is connected to the main frame by a third rotating shaft, connected to the output component of the transmission device by a second rotating shaft, connected to the connecting head by a fifth rotating shaft, and connected to the second connecting rod by a sixth rotating shaft; the third connecting rod is connected to the main frame by a fourth rotating shaft, and connected to the second connecting rod by a seventh rotating shaft; the first connecting rod is connected to the second connecting rod by a ninth rotating shaft, and connected to the connecting head by an eighth rotating shaft; and the first to ninth rotating shafts are parallel to each other, the third, the fourth, the sixth, and the seventh rotating shafts form a first parallelogram, and the fifth, the sixth, the eighth, and the ninth rotating shafts form a second parallelogram. The present invention has the beneficial technical effects of being convenient in wiring and pipe arrangement and having a large lifting height. |
| US09681924B2 |
Skull clamp with improved positionability and cleaning capability
A three-pin skull clamp, including a U-shaped frame defined by an interconnectable base piece with a slot that receives the ratchet arm of a ratchet piece, also includes a plate movably connected to the base piece, thereby to permit inspection and cleaning of the slot which receives the ratchet arm. To increase the adjustability of the ratchet piece relative to the base piece, the base piece includes at least two pawls with offset engagement teeth, preferably with the offset equal to half the pitch of ratchet teeth located along the ratchet arm. This feature facilitates positioning of the skull clamp relative to a patient, and is particularly beneficial for radiolucent skull clamps. |
| US09681923B2 |
Medical ultrasound device with force detection
A medical ultrasound device is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end region (1). One or more ultrasound transducers (4) for generating acoustic radiation are positioned in the distal end region, inside the elongated body. A transmission element (5) which is substantially transparent to acoustic radiation is positioned in the radiation path of the acoustic radiation, and a controller unit is operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer. The transmission element and the one or more ultrasound transducers are mounted so that an acoustic path length (8) between the transmission element (5) and the ultrasound transducer (4) varies with contact force (10) imposed to the distal end region. The controller unit detects the acoustic path length between the ultrasound transducer and the transmission element and determines the contact force from the detected acoustic path length. In an embodiment, the medical device is an ultrasound RF ablation catheter. |
| US09681922B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for three dimensional input and control methods and systems based thereon
A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency. |
| US09681920B2 |
Robotic system and method for reorienting a surgical instrument moving along a tool path
Robotic system and method for positioning an energy applicator extending from a surgical instrument. The robotic system includes a surgical manipulator operable in a manual mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The surgical manipulator moves the energy applicator along a tool path in the semi-autonomous mode, monitors output of a force/torque sensor as the energy applicator moves along the tool path, and reorients the surgical instrument based on the output in response to a user applying reorienting forces and torques to the surgical instrument. |
| US09681914B2 |
Apparatus and method for tubeset with drive axle
A device comprising: a handpiece having one or more attachment ports; a tubeset having one or more attachment features for connecting the tubeset to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; a removable tip having an attachment arm for attaching to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; wherein the device comprises one or more of the following: the handpiece includes an attachment port that attaches the handpiece to an active lead and a return lead and the device is adapted to use only the active lead or both leads so that the device can switch between bi-polar energy and mono-polar energy; the tubeset has one or more fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the removable tip, wherein the removable tip is located at a distal end of the device; and the handpiece connects to one or more electrical input lines; the tubeset connects to one or more fluid lines, and the removable tip is free of direct connection to both the one or more electrical input lines and the one or more fluid lines. |
| US09681910B2 |
Finger-mountable ablation device
A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a pair of finger-mountable annular members, each having an electrode disposed thereon. An optical member is disposed on at least one of the pair of finger-mountable annular members and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of at least one of the finger-mountable annular members. At least one finger-mountable annular member is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from a first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties. |
| US09681907B2 |
Electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream and method thereof
The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream to perform electrosurgery on a surgical site on a patient. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure generates a hot gas jet to a surgical site by generating two plasma beams that are electrically up to 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Since each beam uses the other beam to establish plasma currents at a load, the combined dual plasma stream can be used on non-conductive surfaces, e.g., a tissue at the surgical site. Furthermore, by applying different flow rates to the plasma beams, various scanning effects by the hot gas jet can be achieved. |
| US09681905B2 |
Expandable screw and methods of use
An expandable screw includes generally a shaft, a head, and a cut pattern. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis, an outer surface including a thread to engage bone, and an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface. The head coupled with the shaft at a neck is configured to receive a driving instrument to insert and drive the shaft into the bone when the expandable region is in the first state. The cut pattern on the shaft permits at least partial nesting of a first portion of the expandable region within a second portion of the expandable region in the second state. |
| US09681904B2 |
Method and device for attaching a bone plate
A method and device for attaching a bone plate to a bone includes the steps of placing a first surface of a wire insertion device against the bone, inserting a reference wire through an opening of the wire insertion device extending therethrough from the first surface of the wire insertion device to a second surface of the wire insertion device, removing the wire insertion device from the reference wire and positioning a bone plate on the bone by moving the bone plate in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the reference wire so that the reference wire is received within a slot of the bone plate, the bone plate including a first surface facing toward the bone and a second surface opposing the first surface, the slot open to a lateral side surface connecting edges of the first and second surfaces. |
| US09681899B2 |
Orthopedic derotation devices and methods of installation thereof
Embodiments herein are generally directed to derotation systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal derotation procedures, as well as methods of installation. The derotation systems may include a plurality of derotation towers and clamp members. |
| US09681894B2 |
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installation thereof
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. |
| US09681891B2 |
Tympanostomy tube delivery device with cutting dilator
A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a body, a cannula extending distally from the body, and a cylindraceous member disposed within the cannula. The cylindraceous member comprises a tubular portion and a plurality of leaves positioned at the distal end of the tubular portion. The leaves are movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The cylindraceous member is slidable relative to the cannula to selectively expose the leaves relative to the open distal end of the cannula. A first leaf of the plurality of leaves has a sharp distal point configured to pierce a tympanic membrane and a longitudinally extending sharp edge. The cylindraceous member may be used to create and dilate a myringotomy incision in a tympanic membrane. The tympanostomy tube delivery device may then be used to deploy a tympanostomy tube through the myringotomy incision. |
| US09681887B2 |
Trocar support
A support apparatus for supporting a trocar while the trocar extends through a body wall of a patient includes an inflatable collar extending around the trocar which can be inflated to a predetermined size by a source of fluid where the source of fluid is located on the trocar support apparatus itself so as to be carried thereby and is defined by a pump mechanism to provide a fixed volume allowing inflation only to a fixed size. An abutment member is shaped to be received on an outer surface of the trocar sleeve and adjustable longitudinally of the trocar sleeve so as to be located at a selected position. A tube connecting the pump on the abutment to the inflatable collar is wrapped helically around the sleeve of the trocar. The collar includes a sleeve portion which can be unrolled on to the trocar sleeve. |
| US09681886B2 |
Device and method for improved surgical incisions
A disposable scalpel, including a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, a scalpel blade receiving slot formed in the distal end, and first and second parallel elongated flexible members, wherein the slot is positioned between the pair of parallel elongated flexible members, such that a scalpel blade received in and extending from the slot would be flanked by the pair of parallel elongated members. |
| US09681884B2 |
Surgical instrument with stress sensor
An apparatus includes an end effector, an energy component, a control module, and a directional force sensor assembly associated with the energy component and control module. The directional force assembly can include a piezoelectric disc, a piezoresistive element, an accelerometer, and/or a Hall Effect sensor. The end effector of the apparatus can include ultrasonic blade, an RF electrode, or a staple driving assembly. In some versions, the energy component includes an ultrasonic transducer. The control module may be configured to operate the energy component at a first energy setting in response to a first detected force and at a second energy setting in response to a second detected force. The apparatus may also include an activation feature to be operated by a user. In some versions the piezoelectric disc may include a plurality of segments and may be configured to induce movement in at least part of the energy component. |
| US09681880B2 |
Device and method for operating a tool relative to bone tissue and detecting neural elements
An apparatus for providing medical treatment includes a tool portion configured to operate relative to bone tissue, a handle portion to operate the tool portion, and a nerve monitoring system to detect neural elements. The tool portion includes an insulated shaft comprised of an electrically conductive member and a non-insulated tip. The shaft carries an electrical signal to the non-insulated tip. The handle portion, which is removably and operably connected to the tool portion, incorporates an operating system to rotationally operate the tool portion. Additionally, the nerve monitoring system is linked to the tip and is operable to detect a neural element as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal on the tip. Upon detection of a neural element, the nerve monitoring system provides a signal to the operating system of the handle portion directing the operating system stop rotation of the tool portion. |
| US09681874B2 |
Apparatus for treating obesity
An volume filling device for treatment of obesity is placed outside the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite. By providing the volume filling device outside the stomach wall, contact with stomach acids is avoided, thereby increasing the life of the device. Furthermore including a stretching device to stretch a portion of the stomach wall to further affecting the patient's appetite. |
| US09681873B2 |
Electrical surgical stapling instrument with tissue compressive force control
A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle having a stapler-closing device. A surgical stapling end effector is connected to the handle and has a pair of opposing stapling surfaces. At least one of the stapling surfaces is operable to move with respect to the other of the stapling surfaces upon actuation of the stapler-closing device to apply a compressive force to tissue therebetween. At least one variable member is operable to receive the compressive force applied to the tissue and to exhibit at least one of mechanical and electrical change associated with the received compressive force. The change influences a surgical procedure on the compressed tissue. |
| US09681868B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for wound closure
A wound closure system includes a device, a sleeve, and a needle assembly. The device includes a shaft and one or more arms movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. The sleeve is removably positionable about the shaft and is slidable about the shaft to retain tissue between the distal end of the sleeve and the arms when the arms are in the deployed position. The needle assembly includes a base one or more needles insertable through respective needle lumens of the sleeve. The base defines a central aperture for removably positioning the base about the shaft. The base is slidable relative to the shaft and sleeve between a proximal position, wherein the needles are disposed within respective needle lumens, and a distal position, wherein the needles extend from respective needle lumens towards respective arms. |
| US09681864B1 |
Method and apparatus for transapical procedures on a mitral valve
Apparatus and methods for performing a non-invasive procedure to repair a cardiac valve are described herein. In some embodiments, apparatus and methods are described herein for repairing a mitral valve using an edge-to-edge repair to secure the mitral valve leaflets. Implant securing devices are also described that can be used during a procedure to repair a mitral valve. In some embodiments, an implant securing device includes an outer member and an inner member movably disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be used to hold or secure a suture extending from an implant deployed on an atrial side of a leaflet of a mitral valve, and the outer member can be used to push or move a half hitch knot toward a ventricular side of the leaflet, which can be used to secure the implant in the desired position. |
| US09681862B1 |
Medial lateral retractor system and related methods
A medial lateral retractor system includes a first medial lateral retractor arm, a second medial lateral retractor arm movably coupled thereto, and a base member coupler coupled to one of the first medial lateral retractor arm and the second medial lateral retractor arm. The base member coupler is configured to couple to a base member to which a rostral refractor blade and caudal retractor blade are coupled. The first medial lateral retractor arm is configured to move relative to the second medial lateral retractor arm in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the rostral retractor blade relative to the caudal retractor blade when the base member coupler is coupled to the base member. In implementations the medial lateral retractor system further includes the base member, the rostral retractor blade and the caudal retractor blade, and the base member is coupled to the base member coupler. |
| US09681859B2 |
Magnetic navigation system with soft magnetic core electromagnets for operation in the non-linear regime
A magnetic manipulation and navigation system for moving a magnetic element through a body comprising at least six electromagnets with soft-magnetic cores arranged in a predetermined position to the body. One or more of the electromagnets operate in the non-linear regime of the magnetization curve of the cores. At least one magnetic field sensor is at one or more predetermined positions outside of the operating region. In the linear region, no feedback is required to set the magnetic field strength. In the non-linear region, feedback from the magnetic field sensors is used for closed-loop control. The system has an open loop mode operation in the linear regime for fast control signals, for stabilization during displacement of the magnetic element, and a closed-loop operation in the non-linear regime for higher field strengths, to apply forces and moments on the magnetic element while it is in contact with a surface. |
| US09681852B2 |
Medical devices with coatings for enhanced echogenicity
The disclosure provides medical devices comprising improved coatings for ultrasound detection, which provide optimal ultrasound images. Methods for preparing such devices are also provided. |
| US09681850B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing X-ray accumulation amount
An X-ray imaging method includes obtaining first information including X-ray accumulation amount of an object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object based on the received first information; and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imaging protocol. The first information including the X-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of the object via a short range wireless communication or from an external database based on authentication information input received from the object. |
| US09681847B2 |
Portable cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) image identification system
There is provided a portable cadmium zinc telluride image identification system that uses an X-ray source with a novel sensing mitt that can be worn or held by the user. The sensing mitt is connected to a display that may be a stand-alone display, worn as glasses or otherwise integrated into the sensing mitt. The sensing mitt contains a detector array such as, but not limited to, a cadmium zinc telluride crystal or a plurality of crystals in a matrix. A collimator is placed in front of the sensing surface of the cadmium zinc telluride crystal and a processor is used to convert a representation of the electrical signals received from the cadmium zinc telluride crystal or similar detector array into display signals that are used by the display to provide an image of the subject of interest. |
| US09681846B1 |
Catheterized plasma X-ray source
A radiation generator useful for medical applications, among others, is provided. The radiation generator includes a catheter; a plasma discharge chamber situated within a terminal portion of the catheter, a cathode and an anode positioned within the plasma discharge chamber and separated by a gap, and a high-voltage transmission line extensive through the interior of the catheter and terminating on the cathode and anode so as to deliver, in operation, one or more voltage pulses across the gap. |
| US09681845B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning with lowered dose
A method and an apparatus for scanning with a lowered dose are provided. The method includes: determining a dynamic changing model of a prepatient collimator according to a rotation angle of a tube in a scanning mode; in a case that the scanning mode is a normal scan, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of the normal scan; and in a case that the scanning mode is a scan with phase control, controlling an opening angle of the prepatient collimator according to the dynamic changing model of the prepatient collimator at an initial stage and an end stage of a phase of the scan with phase control. |
| US09681844B2 |
Biopotential signal acquisition system and method
A biopotential signal acquisition system, comprising: a first active electrode including an integrated pre-amplifier and an analogue to digital converter; a second active electrode including an integrated pre-amplifier and an analogue to digital converter, wherein the second active electrode has variable gain; a test signal generator for generating a test signal at a test frequency and coupling the test signal to the first and/or second active electrodes; and a digital signal processor configured to: process the digital outputs of the first and second active electrodes to derive a gain control signal based on a difference between the first and second active electrode outputs at the test frequency, and apply the gain control signal to the second active electrode. The disclosure also relates to an electronic circuit or device and a biopotential signal acquisition method. |
| US09681843B2 |
Nerve cuff stimulation electrode, control device for a vagus nerve stimulation system, and vagus nerve stimulation system
A nerve cuff stimulation electrode for cervical VNS is provided and configured to be arranged so as to at least partially surround or enclose one of the vagus nerves. The cuff stimulation electrode has at least two contacts configured to deliver electric stimulation pulses to a vagus nerve. The cuff stimulation electrode further has or may be attached or connected to a tilt sensor, a kinematic sensor, and/or a pulsation sensor configured to generate a signal representative of arterial and venous pressures. The implantable tilt sensor is configured to output a posture signal indicating a patient's posture, thus allowing discrimination between supine and semi-recumbent or erect postures. |
| US09681838B2 |
Monitoring a condition of a subject
Apparatus for monitoring a subject is described. A sensor monitors the subject during a sleeping session of the subject, and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. A control unit analyzes the sensor signal. In response to analyzing the sensor signal, the control unit performs an action selected from the group consisting of: identifying that the subject is currently undergoing an apnea episode, and predicting that the subject is going to undergo an apnea episode. In response thereto, the control unit changes a position of at least a portion of a body of the subject by activating a device. Other applications are also described. |
| US09681834B2 |
Finger guide for testing blood glucose and associated methods
A finger guide for testing blood glucose and associated methods are disclosed. More particularly, a blood glucose testing system is provided that includes a finger guide that is wearable by the subject of the blood glucose test and a glucose meter that is retrofitted with a glucose meter coupler. A method of operating the blood glucose testing system includes the steps of guiding a lancing device to a spot on the subject's finger for producing a blood droplet and guiding a test strip in the glucose meter to the same spot on the subject's finger for testing the blood sample. |
| US09681830B2 |
Device and method for detecting a vital parameter
A device for detecting a vital parameter is described, comprising: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement for detecting the vital parameter by means of light remission at a finger, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement has a first light source for generating light in a visible wavelength range, a second light source for generating light in a non-visible wavelength range and a light-sensitive element; and a controller which is implemented to switch on the second light source in temporal intervals, execute an evaluation of the light received from the light-sensitive element in the invisible wavelength range of the second light source with respect to whether a finger is applied to the optoelectronic sensor arrangement and to switch on the first light source as soon as the evaluation indicates that a finger is applied to the optoelectronic sensor arrangement. |
| US09681828B2 |
Physiological characteristic sensors and methods for forming such sensors
A physiological characteristic sensor, a method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor, and a method for forming a platinum deposit having a rough surface are presented here. The method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor includes immersing a sensor electrode in a platinum electrolytic bath. Further, the method includes performing an electrodeposition process by sequentially applying a pulsed signal to the sensor electrode and applying a non-pulsed continuous signal to the sensor electrode to form a platinum deposit on the sensor electrode. |
| US09681827B2 |
Systems, methods, applications for smart sensing, motion activity monitoring, and motion activity pattern recognition
A computer-implemented method for recognizing a user's activity pattern includes pre-storing activity data in a computer system, automatically determining locations of one or more sensors on a user's body, obtaining time series of measured activity parameters by the one or more sensors, automatically segmenting the time series of measured activity parameters into two or more activity periods, determining a spatial range of the movement in an activity period, and recognizing an activity in the activity period based at least in part on the measured activity parameters and the pre-stored activity data. |
| US09681826B2 |
Method, device and system for measuring torsion or bending at a joint between two limbs
Method, device and system for measuring a degree of torsion or bending of a joint. The method comprises the steps of attaching a sensor (56) to the limbs that are joined by the joint, measuring an output signal of the sensor during torsion or bending at the joint, and a final step of relating said output signal of the sensor to a degree of torsion or bending. The sensor comprises an electrically conductive loop (51), with loop parts that run from one limb to other and back in the loop, the area of said loop at least partially covering both limbs from one limb to the other. The limbs may be limbs of the human or animal body, for instance limbs at a knee. The sensor further comprises an output unit (57) for providing an output signal that is a measure for the inductance of the loop. Calibration data for the sensor may be determined by detecting the output signal of the sensor for a well defined degree of torsion or bending at said joint under static conditions and storing the calibration data. |
| US09681825B2 |
Wireless electrode arrangement and method for patient monitoring via electrocardiography
A system including a plurality of wireless sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of a subject is provided. The wireless sensors can be attachable to or implantable in the subject and form a network. The sensors can include a sensing component configured to detect a signal corresponding to at least one condition of the subject. The sensors further can include a communication component configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal to at least another of the plurality of wireless sensors, and wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from at least one of the remaining sensors in the network. |
| US09681824B2 |
Integrated catalytic protection of oxidation sensitive materials
An implantable device with in vivo functionality, where the functionality of the device is negatively affected by ROS typically associated with inflammation reaction as well as chronic foreign body response as a result of tissue injury, is at least partially surrounded by a protective material, structure, and/or a coating that prevents damage to the device from any inflammation reactions. The protective material, structure, and/or coating is a biocompatible metal, preferably silver, platinum, palladium, gold, manganese, or alloys or oxides thereof that decomposes reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, and prevents ROS from oxidizing molecules on the surface of or within the device. The protective material, structure, and/or coating thereby prevents ROS from degrading the in vivo functionality of the implantable device. |
| US09681819B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting atrial fibrillation
Method of determining atrial fibrillation including determining if a patient's pulse beats form an irregular pattern and only if so, indicating the presence of an irregular pulse to the patient and obtaining an electrocardiogram for determining atrial fibrillation. Initially, a pulse is detected at regular time intervals of a first appendage of the patient when motionless using a pulse detector secured to the first appendage and pulse rhythms from a succession of time intervals are detected each corresponding to a respective interval of time between successive pulse beats of a sequence of the pulse beats. Then, an electrically conductive unit is attached to a second appendage of the patient, or a wearable electrocardiogram is attached to the patient, and electrocardiograms signals are detected simultaneously with pulse rhythms while the first appendage is motionless and analyzed to determine whether, in combination, they are indicative of atrial fibrillation. If so, an indication of atrial fibrillation is provided at least to the patient. |
| US09681817B2 |
Suppression of global activation signals during anatomical mapping
A method for mapping an anatomical structure includes sensing activation signals of intrinsic physiological activity with a plurality of electrodes disposed in or near the anatomical structure, identifying at least one of the electrodes not in direct contact with the anatomical structure, and adjusting the activation signals sensed by each of the plurality of electrodes based on the activation signals sensed by the identified at least one of the electrodes not in direct contact with the anatomical structure. |
| US09681815B2 |
Reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram from an endocardial electrogram using non-linear filtering
The present invention relates to an active medical device that uses non-linear filtering for reconstructing a surface electrocardiogram from an endocardial electrogram. At least one endocardial EGM electrogram signal is collected from of samples collected from at least one endocardial or epicardial derivation (71′, 72′, 73′), and at least one of a reconstructed surface electrocardiogram (ECG) signal through the processing of collected EGM samples by a transfer function (TF) of a neural network (60′). The neural network (60′) is a time-delay-type network that simultaneously processes said at least one endocardial EGM electrogram signal, formed by a first sequence of collected samples, and at least one delayed version of this EGM signal, formed by a second sequence of collected samples distinct from the first sequence collected samples. The neural network (60′) provides said reconstructed ECG signal from the EGM signal and its delayed version. |
| US09681814B2 |
Devices and methods for real-time denoising of electrocardiograms
Apparatuses and methods (including methods of using such apparatuses) for de-noising electrocardiograms (ECGs) by manually or automatically adjusting the amount of filtering of an ECG signal. For example, real-time ECG signals may be filtered by combining in a weighted fashion an unfiltered portion of an ECG (or a filtered portion of the same ECG) with the same portion of the ECG that has been filtered. The weighting may be adjusted manually and/or automatically. Also described herein are methods for real-time filtering of ECG signals using a combination of filtering techniques including filtering to correct baseline wander, Savitzky-Golay denoising, and threshold smoothing. Multiple filtering techniques may be combined in a weighed manner to provide signal de-noising. |
| US09681813B2 |
Neurophysiological stimulation system and methods with wireless communication
The present invention provides methods and apparatus that allow the surgeon and the IONM specialist to continuously get a feedback on the relative proximity from the instruments to a nerve and on the health of this nerve. By having a coupling device that allows every instrument to be electrically stimulated, the surgeon, through the instruments, continuously sends a small electrical input into the patient's body and depending on the relative proximity between this electrical stimulation and a nerve, a neuromonitoring modality is recorded through electrodes placed on the patient. The characteristics of this response allow the IONM specialist to determine the health status and or location of the nerves. |
| US09681812B2 |
Optical device for measuring a heart rate of a user
The invention relates to an optical device for measuring a heart rate of a user. Said optical device comprises: —two light sources (1,2) for emitting light into the skin of the user, —a sensor (3) for sensing the light signals emitted by each of the two light sources and reflected through the skin of the user so as to determine the heart rate of the user. The two light sources (1,2) are situated at different distances from the sensor such that the light signals received from each of the two light sources have a different penetration depth into the skin. |
| US09681807B2 |
Systems and methods for processing and transmitting sensor data
Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor and a second communication device configured to provide user access to sensor-related information comprises: activating a transceiver of a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor at a first time; and establishing a two-way communication channel with the second communication device; wherein the activating comprises waking the transceiver from a low power sleep mode using a forced wakeup from the second communication device. |
| US09681805B2 |
Afferent pupil tester
A new device, called Afferent Pupil Tester, designed for close up and magnified examination of both pupils at the same time, superimposed, as they react to direct and consensual light, comprises of high plus lenses, measuring grid, bright LED lights controlled with momentary switches, UV lights controlled by momentary switches, batteries, built-in camera and/or external camera, detachable facemask, and a sturdy casing. |
| US09681803B2 |
Method of observing a three-dimensional image of examinee's eye
A method of observing a three-dimensional image of an examinee's eye to be examined, includes: obtaining a first three-dimensional image which is a three-dimensional image of an anterior segment of the examinee's eye by optical coherence tomography for obtaining a tomographic image by converging a measurement light on the anterior segment of the examinee's eye; obtaining a second three-dimensional image which is a three-dimensional image of a fundus of the examinee's eye by optical coherence tomography for obtaining a tomographic image by converging the measurement light on the fundus of the examinee's eye by a timing different from a timing of obtaining the first three-dimensional image; constructing a three-dimensional eyeball image of the examinee's eye through image processing based on the obtained first and second three-dimensional images; and displaying the constructed three-dimensional eyeball image on a monitor. |
| US09681800B2 |
Holographic adaptive see-through phoropter
A phoropter having a line of sight for a viewer to see through comprises a lens system in the line of sight, wherein a shape or focal length of at least one lens in the lens system is controllable by means of an electrical signal, electrical field or current. Wavefront sensors of the phoropter detect local tilts of light wavefronts emerging from the eye and generate output signals that are used for controlling the shape or focal length of the at least one lens. Holographic or diffractive elements are used to collect light scattered from an eye of the viewer and image the scattered light to the wavefront sensors. Preferably one or more of the holographic or diffractive elements are away from the line of sight of the viewer. To use the phoropter, light is passed to the lens system, and light scattered by the eye is collected by the holographic or diffractive elements and imaged onto the wavefront sensors. |
| US09681798B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for imaging spectroscopy
Imaging spectrometers can be used to generate hyperspectral images for medical diagnoses, contaminant detection, and food safety inspections, among other applications. An exemplary imaging spectrometer includes an integrated position sensing array that measures the relative positions of the interferometer components based on an interference pattern generated by illuminating the interferometer with a reference beam. Such an imaging spectrometer includes a processor that controls the interferometer component position by actuating a voice coil and several piezo-electric elements to align the components with respect to each other and to provide a desired optical path length mismatch between the interferometer arms. In some cases, the processor may use feedback and feed forward control, possibly based on the actuators' transfer functions, for more precise positioning. The processor may also implement adaptive and recursive spectral sampling to reduce the image acquisition period. |
| US09681795B2 |
Endoscope holding apparatus
An endoscope holding apparatus includes: a base section; a support column; a first link and a second link that rotate around a first linking portion; a third link that rotates around a second linking portion; a fourth link capable of holding an endoscope; a fifth link including a first counter weight; a second counterweight linked to the second linking portion; a sixth link including one arm linked to the fifth link; and a seventh link including a first end configured to rotate around a fifth linking portion and a second end configured to rotate around a sixth linking portion, wherein the first, fifth, sixth, and third linking portions form a parallelogram. |
| US09681792B2 |
Height adjuster mechanism for a dishwasher dish rack
A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending along a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position. |
| US09681790B2 |
Obstacle sensing spray arm for a dishwashing machine
A dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and in which is provided a rotating sprayer for emitting liquid into the treating chamber. The rotation of the spray arm may be controlled such that rotation of the spray arm is responsive to a determination that the spray arm has contacted an obstacle within the treating chamber. |
| US09681789B2 |
Floor mop with scrubber
The present invention relates to a floor mop with a handle and mop head having a base, handle connector, and scrubbing mechanism. The base may include a platen and cleaning pad and is connected to the mop handle through the handle connector. The base may also include an opening for holding the handle connector and scrubbing mechanism. The handle connector houses the components of the scrubbing mechanism, including a scrubbing pad, axle, slide and spring. The scrubbing pad is located on the lower surface of the handle connector. The axle is connected to the base of the mop head and to the slide so that when sufficient downward force is applied to compress the spring, the scrubbing pad moves downward relative to the lower surface of the handle connector so that the scrubbing pad engages the cleaning surface. |
| US09681787B2 |
Dual stage cyclone vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner including a dust collector having a first stage cyclonic separator, a plurality of second stage cyclonic separators, a dirt cup configured to collect dust particles separated by the first stage cyclonic separator, and a perforated tube at least partially within the dust collector. The perforated tube includes a cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical wall to allow the flow of air to pass through the cylindrical wall in a flow direction from the first stage cyclonic separator toward the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators. A plurality of isolated air conduits within the perforated tube. Each of the plurality of isolated air conduits defined at least partially by walls extending in a direction inwardly from the cylindrical wall of the perforated tube and each of the plurality of second stage cyclonic separators has a corresponding one of the plurality of isolated air conduits. |
| US09681786B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner comprising a main body and a cyclonic separating apparatus. The separating apparatus comprises a dirt collection chamber and a baffle arrangement, and is mounted within the main body such that a first part of the dirt collection chamber is obscured and a second part of the dirt collection chamber is visible during normal use. The baffle arrangement is positioned within the dirt collection chamber such that, during use, an airflow moving within the dirt collection chamber is disrupted by the baffle arrangement causing dirt to collect preferentially in the second part. |
| US09681785B2 |
Nozzle for a vacuum cleaner
The present invention relates to a nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle (1) has a base (3) having an edge (4, 5) and a suction aperture (11) in the base (3). At least one flexible flap (24, 26) protrudes from the base (3) between the edge (4, 5) and the suction aperture (11). The flexible flap (24, 26) has first and second sections (32, 33) separable by an opening (35). The first and second sections (32, 33) are urged towards each other when the nozzle (1) is moved in a first direction in which the edge (4, 5) is a leading edge to close the opening (35) or tend the opening (35) towards closure, and the first and second sections (32, 33) are biased away from each other when the nozzle (1) is moved in a second direction in which the edge (4, 5) is a trailing edge to open the opening (35) or to further open the opening. The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaner. |
| US09681781B2 |
Personal care accessory support system
A personal care accessory support system is provided with a rail with at least one fastener configuration to fasten the rail to an upright support surface. A plurality of receptacles is formed in the rail. At least two accessory holders are provided. Each of the at least two accessory holders is provided with a base to receive and support an accessory. A retainer is sized to extend over the rail in a horizontal orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail. The retainer is also sized to extend into one of the plurality of receptacles in a vertical orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail. |
| US09681779B2 |
Dispenser
A dispenser for dispensing a fluid. The dispenser includes a shank for penetrating a countertop opening and having a filling end. A reservoir is in communication with the shank and is coupled to the shank and extends below a lower end of the shank, such that when a fluid is provided at the filling end of the shank it will flow into the reservoir through the shank along a path. The dispenser also includes a pump and a spout coupled to the pump extending above the shank. |
| US09681777B1 |
Herb grinding device
An herb grinding device is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first cavity, a top surface, an outer wall surrounding the first cavity, and a plurality of teeth extending from the top surface. The second section is rotatably coupled to the first section and includes a second section floor, a plurality of holes in the second section floor, a second cavity facing the first cavity, a plurality of teeth extending from the second section floor, and an annular flange positioned within the first cavity and interfacing an outer wall of the first section. The herb grinding device may also include a third section that is removably coupled to the second section opposite the first section and includes a channel extending through the third section, and a fourth section that is removably coupled to the third section and includes a collection cavity. |
| US09681769B2 |
Safety switch for citrus press
A motorised citrus press has a reamer and an actuating arm. The arm supports a fruit dome. The movement of the arm causes the activation of a first switch and the reamer is associated with a second switch. The motor receives electrical power only when both the first and second switches cooperate. |
| US09681768B2 |
Floor covering with universal backing and methods of making and recycling
A dimensionally stable floor covering, comprising a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer wherein vacuum is used to move adhesive into stitch portions of the yarns and into the back side of the primary backing substrate to provide increased dimensional stability for the entire floor covering. Mixing of reinforcement fibers and adhesive takes place before in situ filtration of the adhesive and fibers. Further, compressed air is injected into the adhesive/fiber composition to provide spaces between the fibers before application of pressure to the composition. The vacuum, mixing, and injection of compressed air assist in preparing the adhesive and fiber composition to be in the preferred condition and position before the application of pressure to the composition. |
| US09681767B1 |
Compression stocking donning aid
Embodiments of the Compression Stocking Donning Aid are comprised of a handle assembly, a bracket assembly, and a sock applicator assembly. The handle assembly is comprised of two, mirror image handles that are covered by handle grips. The handles are essentially linear elongated cylinders that allow the user of the Aid to grasp the Aid and apply the necessary leverage to open the compression stocking for application. The sock applicator assembly is comprised of two sock applicators. The bracket assembly is comprised of a back plate, a front plate, a ratcheting plate, a ratcheting dog, a pivot fastener, a ratcheting dog fastener, and padding. The ratcheting plate forms ratcheting teeth that engage with the ratcheting dog while the handles are moved inward. |
| US09681763B2 |
Privacy screen apparatus
A privacy screen apparatus can include an upper member having a first end and a second end, at least one first leg connected to the first end of the upper member, at least one second leg connected to the second end of the upper member, and a bendable body connected to the upper member adjacent to a first edge of the body and adjacent to a second edge of the body to define a pouch or channel below the upper member. Cords, cables, or wiring can be positioned in the pouch or channel. The bendable body may also hang from the upper member to provide a visible barrier to provide privacy. |
| US09681759B2 |
Table display system
A display apparatus, such as a table, for display consumer products, such as electronic devices, is disclosed. The table may include a display cavity for displaying products. The display cavity may include a transparent glass panel defining a top portion thereof so as to allow consumers to view products housed within the display cavity. The table may include a lighting system configured to illuminate at least a portion of the display cavity. The table may also include a cooling system for maintaining or modifying the temperature within the display cavity. A rotatable display panel defining at least a portion of the bottom of display cavity may rotate from the bottom of the table to allow a user can access the products within the display cavity. |
| US09681756B2 |
Ergonomic support device for weight of a user
An ergonomic support device is provided for accommodating the weight of a user and allowing the user to perform various tasks with reduced effort. The support device is adapted for use in connection with various settings, such as bathtubs, and allows the user to work in or around a space while in a supported position. |
| US09681748B2 |
Driving mechanism
A driving mechanism for furniture is disclosed. The furniture includes a first furniture part and a second furniture part. The driving mechanism includes a first driving device including a first base, a locking device connected to the first base, a swing member movably connected to the second furniture part, a second driving device mounted to the second furniture part and including an elastic member, and a clutch device mounted to the first base. Wherein when the second furniture part is moved from an open position toward a retrieve position to reach a predetermined position, the clutch device is switched from an engaging status to a free status by the second driving device, and the elastic member provides a driving force for driving the second furniture part to be retrieved relative to the first furniture part. |
| US09681742B2 |
Small container scrubber
A scrubber is formed with a plurality of bristles and can be inserted into a bottle or similar vessel for cleaning. Several such scrubbers can be inserted into a single bottle such that the bottle can be shaken to allow the scrubber balls to reach all of the surfaces on the interior of the bottle. |
| US09681739B2 |
Pack strap hood
A shoulder strap pack is provided for carrying school supplies, camping equipment, tools or the like. At least one of the pack straps includes a loop or sleeve cooperatively engaging at least one of the pack straps. The loop or sleeve includes a resealable compartment for storing a hood or a portion of a hood therein. To use the hood, the user opens the compartment in the backpack strap loop or sleeve, and pulls out an attached hood or portion of a hood. The entire hood may be disposed within a compartment formed in a single sleeve or a pair of mating sleeves may be secured to opposing straps of a backpack, wherein each sleeve include a mated portion or half of the attached hood which can be joined via a connecting means such as a zipper. After use, the hood can be stored in the compartment of the sleeve of the pack strap. The hood may include a tie for fastening the hood around the user's head and under the chin. |
| US09681735B2 |
Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara and method of producing such an applicator
An applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, comprises a twisted core and fibers which extend from the core and are held by the core, the core having a main longitudinal direction of extension, known as the main axis (X), and the core being rectilinear along the main axis (X), the fibers forming an envelope (E) with their free ends, characterized in that the envelope (E) comprises, along the main axis (X), a substantially concave face (F1) and a substantially convex, opposite, face (F3). |
| US09681732B2 |
Bottle cap with cosmetic kit
A cap for a reusable bottle and a compound-containing container is provided. The container is a separate, replaceable structure with a base (well/bowl) section containing the compound and a hinged or otherwise removable cap. The container is secured in a cavity in the top of the cap using appropriate detents that flex based upon the materials inherent resilient (e.g. a polymer material) to selectively engage with and disengage from the cap cavity. The cap can include a (unitary or integral) hook or ring that extends from the edges of the cap and can provide a stop that the lid of the secured container hinges against when placed in an open position. The hinge includes a detent adjacent to its front edge (opposite the side containing the hinge. This detent retains the lid in a closed position, but can be overcome by pressure applied by the user to open the lid. |
| US09681729B2 |
Tube head for provision and application of a liquid and tube with such a tube head
The present invention relates to a tube head (1) for provision and application of a liquid, the tube head (1) comprising a spout (3) with an opening (5) for dispensing the liquid in the form of drops, wherein an applicator (4) is provided, the applicator (4) being attached to the spout (3) and extending in the longitudinal direction of the spout (3), wherein the applicator (4) comprises receiving means (16) for receiving the liquid dispensed by the spout (3) and wherein a gap (17) is provided between the receiving means (16) and the opening (5) of the spout (3) in the longitudinal direction. The invention furthermore relates to a tube (30) with such a tube head (1). Gap sizes may differ for different tube heads and tubes, respectively. |
| US09681728B2 |
Tube container with a metal applicator
A tube container with a metal applicator, and more particularly, a tube container equipped with a metal applicator which is attached on the top portion of the tube container, so that when contents are applied onto the skin it is possible for the metal applicator to deliver heat or cold to the skin and facilitate metabolism of the facial skin, improving the elasticity of the skin. |
| US09681725B2 |
Cosmetic product applicator, associated head and device
The applicator includes a base, a first tooth and two teeth adjacent to the first tooth. The teeth protrude from a base end located on the base as far as a free end. The applicator includes a device to retain cosmetic product on the base, to connect the first tooth to each of the two adjacent teeth, with a mean thickness less than the mean thickness, taken over the height of the device to retain, of a tooth selected from the first tooth and the two adjacent teeth. |
| US09681723B2 |
Portable hair styling device with USB connection to power source
A portable curling iron used to style hair enables a user to style hair without the need to plug in the curling iron to a conventional electrical outlet. The present invention provides sufficient heat the curling iron in order to adequately style hair. The power for portable use of a device of the present invention has a power supply means that provides enough power to adequately heat the curling iron for effective hair styling from a power source such as found in a motor vehicle. Connection to the power source can be via a USB connection. |
| US09681722B2 |
Security case
The present invention is a self contained, portable security case or container. The case is secure in its locked condition by locks which are preferably operated by an electronic key. The electronic key can be programmed to open the case or container dependent upon various different conditions, for example, location, time, identification of operator, etc. In addition to the electronic key, a biometric identification device can be employed. The exterior of the case or container is made from different materials which are impermeable and resistant to heat, drilling and ballistic impact. A GPS type of location device located within the case enables the case to be tracked from remote locations. |
| US09681719B2 |
Mobile electronic device case wallet
A mobile device and wallet case having a continuous inelastic frame conforming to the shape of a mobile device and having one or more apertures. The frame includes a foot on one side to assist in the insertion of the mobile device. The case can include transverse structures integrally formed with the frame and configured to attach a 5 hollow-core door sized for storage. When open, the door functions as a stand for a mobile device in both the vertical position and horizontal position and bosses provide resistance to the door opening. The door can include a thumb slider aperture. The case can include a latch comprised of a frame coupled protuberance and a tooth having a female receiving recess configured to receive the protuberance. The frame 10 inside and top edge of the frame is lined with an elastomeric liner that can extend through the button apertures. |
| US09681711B2 |
Adjustable bracelet
A bracelet may be adjustable. The bracelet may be a portion of a watch and/or jewelry. The bracelet may include a clasp with a track that includes a plurality of first openings and second openings. A first end of the bracelet may include a link with a pin. The pin may be disposed in the track, and the length of the bracelet may be adjusted by moving the pin along a length of the track. The pin may have a length and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape may allow the pin to travel along the length of the track when the link is disposed at an angle relative to the length of the track and may restrict the pin from travelling along the length of the track when the link is approximately parallel to the length of the track. |
| US09681709B2 |
Two-dimensional shoe manufacturing
Described are methods for the manufacture of a plurality of shoes, an apparatus to perform such method, as well as shoes manufactured by such method. According to certain examples, the method for the manufacture of a plurality of shoes includes providing a plurality of first shoe components for the manufacture of the plurality of shoes, and moving the plurality of first shoe components with a transport means which is at least partially comprised of the plurality of first shoe components. |
| US09681707B2 |
Method for securing studded shoes by using the effect of inertia
A method for securing studded shoes by using the effect of inertia, wherein a studded shoe, comprising a structure of stud and receptacle combination, the stud including a ground-engaging part. The stud and the receptacle are adapted to be secured together by a threaded connection comprising a bolt (6, 8) on one of the components of the stud and a threaded socket (5, 7) on the receptacle, both adapted such that said bolt (6, 8) can be driven into said threaded socket (5, 7). A securing means of the components serves to become inter-engaged at least when the bolt (6, 8) is fully driven into the threaded socket (5, 7) to resist unscrewing of the components. The securing means comprises at least one locking accessory that fastens in the counterclockwise direction, in an arrangement such that the direction of torque formed by the direction of the inertia in wearer's shoe sole and the center of the threaded connection, and the relative number and/or position of the threads of the threaded connection determine the position and locking direction of the stud relative to the receptacle. |
| US09681705B2 |
Failure compensating lace tension devices and methods
A reel for tightening an article includes a housing and a spool positioned within the housing. A knob is coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing and thereby wind a tension member about a central post of the spool. A load holding mechanism is coupled with the spool and the housing and includes a first friction element and a second friction element that are frictionally engageable to prevent rotation of the spool in a second direction to prevent unwinding of the tension member from the spool's central post. Rotation of the knob in a first direction reduces frictional engagement of the friction elements to enable rotation of the spool in the first direction and tension in the tension member biases the spool toward rotation in the second direction which increases the frictional engagement of the friction elements. |
| US09681704B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material. |
| US09681698B2 |
Mounting assembly for a face shield
A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly through holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The spacer assembly slides over the posts when the posts are inserted through the corresponding holes in the helmet, and frictionally engages the outer surfaces of the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The posts threadingly receive corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet. |
| US09681696B2 |
Helmet and/or a helmet liner including an electronic control system controlling the flow resistance of a magnetorheological liquid in compartments
A helmet and/or helmet liner including at least one compartment, chamber, bladder, or internal sipe. The at least one compartment, chamber, bladder or internal sipe includes a media with at least one magnetorheological liquid for use to absorb shock or change sliding resistance by changing an alignment of metal particles of the magnetorheological fluid to alter a flow resistant structure. The helmet and/or helmet liner also includes an electronic control system that controls the flow resistance of the magnetorheological liquid of the at least one chamber compartment or bladder by changing an alignment of metal particles of the magnetorheological liquid to alter a flow resistant structure included in the at least one inner compartment, chamber or bladder. The helmet and/or helmet liner may also include a second compartment, chamber or bladder surrounding another compartment, chamber or bladder, with an internal sipe located between surfaces thereof. |
| US09681695B2 |
Helmet with chin cup
A protective helmet including a chin cup with a body and two opposed connecting arms, each connecting arm being connected to the helmet body through a connection allowing relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body. A fastening system is selectively movable between a first position where the fastening system restrains the relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body and a second position where the fastening system frees the relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body along the connection. A method of adjusting a position of a chin cup in a protective helmet is also disclosed. |
| US09681694B2 |
Fully fashion knitwear and a method and system for making three-dimensional patterns for the same
A fully fashion knitwear made by using a method for generation of contour fit three-dimensional (3D) fully fashion knitwear pattern based on 3D body data of an individual. The method comprises the following steps: digitizing an individual to create a 3D body data cloud; automatically recognizing body landmarks; extracting the body measurements; calculating the garment pattern block of the digitized surface of the individual according to the extracted body measurements including geodesic (minimal distance) measurements; transforming the garment block to 3D weft knitwear pattern by introducing horizontal and/or vertical darts; and translating the modified knitwear pattern to knitting diagrams and/or instructions, which can then be transferred manually to knitwear CAD system to control the automatic knitting machine to knit the required knitwear. |
| US09681691B1 |
Brassiere for reducing skin wrinkles in décolletage region of chest
A novel brassiere includes an outer fabric garment comprising a shoulder strap and a back strap and a monolithic and contiguous breast support that may comprise a molded polymer material. The monolithic and contiguous polymer breast support includes a décolletage region, two breast cups, and an inter-breast region. An inter-breast thickness of the molded polymer material is at least four times greater than the thickness in the décolletage region or in either of the breast cups. The outward surfaces of the inter-breast and décolletage regions are preferably not convex. |
| US09681690B2 |
Sleeve assembly for a garment and method of manufacture
Method of manufacturing a sleeve assembly for a shirt including a sleeve adapted to receive an arm and a cuff. An outer surface of the cuff is connected to a lower edge region of the sleeve at a location between upper and lower edges of the cuff to define a cuff extension portion. The sleeve assembly is foldable from the unfolded condition to a first folded condition about the location at which the cuff is connected to the sleeve. The sleeve assembly is foldable from the first folded condition to a second folded condition about a location at which a free edge of the cuff abuts the sleeve to place a portion of the sleeve on an outer side of the sleeve assembly and an outer surface of the cuff extension portion between two portions of the sleeve. |
| US09681687B2 |
Electronic cigarette and battery rod thereof
A battery rod includes a battery cartridge, and a connector inserted at one end of the battery cartridge and for being connected with the atomizer. A battery supplying power for the atomizer is provided in the battery cartridge. The battery cartridge is a workpiece made of non-metallic material, a connection cartridge is inserted at one end of the battery cartridge and sleeved on the connector, the connection cartridge and the battery are coaxially arranged at different positions in an axial direction of the battery rod. A fastening ring for clamping the connector is sleeved on the outside of the connection cartridge where corresponds to a position of the connector, the battery cartridge and the fastening ring are coaxially arranged at different positions in the axial direction of the battery rod, and one end surface of the battery cartridge faces one end surface of the fastening ring. |
| US09681684B2 |
Apparatus, method and machine for producing an endless filter rod of the tobacco processing industry
Apparatuses and methods for producing an endless filter rod of the tobacco processing industry. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a transport nozzle loadable with compressed air, a guide tube, an elongated rod, which is arranged in the guide tube, having a rod projection, and an infeed roller, which is non-driven and freely rotatable, positioned immediately at an end of the transport nozzle and at a distance to the rod, and has a bearing surface that defines in sections a conveying path of a filter material web. The apparatus also includes a guide element positioned between the infeed roller and the rod by which a cross-section of the filter material web is reduced between the rod and the guide element in a region of the rod projection. |
| US09681682B2 |
Apparatus and method for filling trays with rod-shaped smokers' articles
An apparatus for filling trays with rod-shaped smokers articles comprises a station for filling the trays, a conveying apparatus for directing the smokers' articles in bulk to the filling station, a first conveyor assembly for directing the empty trays in succession to the filling station, and a second conveyor assembly for removing the full trays in succession from the filling station; the conveying apparatus has an outlet in communication with the filling station, and the apparatus comprises a delivery device for delivering the smokers' articles, in communication with the outlet and insertable into each tray to be filled, and a movement device for reciprocally moving the delivery device and each tray while the tray is being filled. |
| US09681680B1 |
Food condiment, composition, method of molding, and method of using
A food condiment slice, method of using, composition and method for making, and methods for manufacturing are described. The food condiment slices are used with sandwiches, other food products, and beverages. The food condiment slices may have different structures such as face-fused, side-fused, face-fused-side-fused, woven, and chopped. The food condiment slices are formed from condiments such as catsup, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, steak sauce, jellies, jam, preserves, butter, margarine, marinades, creamers, and syrups. More than one food condiment can be integrated into a single food condiment slice. The food condiment slices eliminate the need and inconvenience of using and carrying spreadable, squeezable, and pourable food condiments. Also included are beverage condiment slices or discs such as coffee or tea dairy and non-dairy creamers. |
| US09681678B2 |
Flavor composition containing flavone glycosides
The present invention has discovered that flavone glycosides represented by Formula I set forth below have unexpected and advantageous flavor enhancement and modification properties: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H and CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of H and OH, and R3 is a 7-O-glycoside. Thus, the flavone glycosides of the present invention can be used to enhance or modify the flavor of orally consumable compositions, such as foodstuff, chewing gums, dental and oral hygiene products, and medicinal products. |
| US09681674B2 |
Method and device for welding casings
The invention relates to a device (1) for producing a case having a large length for food, in particular for sausages, from a plurality of individual case sections made of casings that contain collagens, such as natural casings or collagen-containing artificial casings, comprising a mandrel (2) and at least two sleeve sections (3), wherein the sleeve sections (3), in order to create an overlapping area (4), are pushed over the mandrel (2) and arranged such as to overlap each other, a heating element (5) for temporarily exchanging heat between the heating element (5) and the overlapping area (4), such that the case sections are at least partially welded to each other in the overlapping area (4), a deformable extension body (6), wherein the deformable extension body annularly surrounds the mandrel (2) and is arranged inside the case sections (3), wherein the deformable extension body (6) is made of an elastically deformable material, and a mold (7) that encloses the mandrel (2) in some sections. |
| US09681673B1 |
Bolt tool system having automatic lock pin for activator
A bolt tool system includes a tool housing, a bolt guide, a bolt, an activator, a pin casing, and a lock pin. The bolt guide is attached to the tool housing. The bolt is moveably received within the bolt guide for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The activator is moveably received on the bolt guide for movement between a safe position and a fire position. In the fire position, the bolt is moveable from the retracted position to the extended position. The pin casing has a passage in communication with an aperture formed in the activator. The lock pin is slidably received within the pin casing. The lock pin is moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which the lock pin retains the activator in the fire position. |
| US09681668B2 |
Control of plant diseases and enhancing plant growth using a combination of a Trichoderma virens species and a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species
The combination of a Trichoderma virens species and a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species is used to control plant diseases and enhance plant growth. |
| US09681664B2 |
Macrocyclic picolinamides as fungicides
The disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula (I) and to the use of these compounds as fungicides. |
| US09681662B2 |
Active substance combination based on trifluorobutinyl compounds and exhibiting nematicidal and insecticidal properties
The invention relates to novel active substance combinations consisting of heterocyclic trifluorobutenylen of formula (1), wherein X is halogen and n is 0, 1 or 2, and of known insecticide substances. Said novel active substance combinations are suitable for fighting harmful pests like insects and nematodes. |
| US09681661B2 |
Method of controlling parasitic weeds with mixtures comprising herbicidal acetolactate synthase inhibitors and plant growth regulators
The present invention relates to a method for controlling parasitic weeds, comprising applying to the host plant, the weeds and/or their habitat herbicidal mixtures or compositions comprising one, two or three acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor(s) and one, two or three plant growth regulator(s) (PGR) which act as ethylene modulators. The present invention also relates to a method for improving the yield of the crop plant comprising applying to the host plant, and/or their habitat mixtures comprising components as defined herein. The present invention also relates to herbicidal mixtures comprising one, two or three acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor(s) selected from imazamox or tribenuron-methyl and one, two or three plant growth regulator(s) (PGR) selected from prohexadione, prohexadione-calcium, trinexapac or trinexapac-ethyl, compositions comprising said mixtures and their use for the control of parasitic weeds. |
| US09681658B2 |
Penetrants for agrochemical formulations
An agrochemical formulation comprising a penetrant and an agrochemical active. The penetrant is an esterified and/or etherified polyol alkoxylate obtainable by directly esterifying and/or etherifying a polyol alkoxylate. There is also provided a method of making the penetrant comprising alkoxylation of a polyol, and esterification or etherification of the formed poyol alkoxylate. The penetrant is suitable for use in agrochemical formulations to enhance penetration of the active across a leaf cuticle. |
| US09681655B2 |
Tree stand including a latch and adjustable strap
A tree stand includes a frame and a strap for attaching the frame to a tree. The strap includes engagement features and a latch is pivotably coupled to the frame for selectively engaging the engagement features. The latch is pivotable between a locked position for engaging the engagement feature of the strap and an unlocked position for being disengaged with the engagement feature of the strap. The latch includes a finger extending from the body receiving the engagement feature when the latch is in the locked position. |
| US09681651B2 |
Quick release reusable sandbag sinker
A fishing sinker consisting of a cloth bag which is open at the top. The bag is partially filled and then the upper part of the bag is gathered together and closed by means of an eye pin and rubber band attached to the eye of the eye pin. The eye pin is laid across the gathered fabric then the rubber band is pulled around the gathered fabric and over the end of the eye pin to provide closure. The bag can thus be emptied and retrieved by pulling firmly on the fishing line, which is also attached to the metal pin, which is tethered to the bottom of the bag. |
| US09681650B2 |
Long-distance delivery system for fishing devices
The disclosure provides a system and methods of use pertaining to long-range fishing applications. One embodiment provides a long-range fishing-device delivery system that relies on a mounting shaft, a buoyancy module, and a fishing or payload module to house a variety of fishing devices such as a baited hook, an artificial lure, or a fishing accessory such as a depth sensor, temperature sensor, or fish finder. The delivery system leverages a launch force from an external launching apparatus such as a bow or slingshot to deploy the system and enclosed fishing device to a desired long-range location and depth within a body of water. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09681647B2 |
Mammal with an orthotopic tumor capable of metastasis, a method of making and a method of using
Provided are compositions and methods that involve cancer cells which are modified so that they can form orthotopic tumors in a non-human mammal, and wherein metastasis of the tumor can be controlled. The cancer cells, which may be human cancer cells, are modified so that expression of a human chemokine receptor can be modulated. Modulating expression of the human chemokine receptor allows selective initiation of metastasis. Kits which contain the modified cancer cells are provided. A method for identifying agents which can inhibit metastasis using non-human mammals having orthotopic tumors formed using the modified cancer cells is also included. |
| US09681642B2 |
Edible, chewable object for carnivorous pets and method of controlling the hygiene of the oral cavity of said pets using one such object
The invention relates to a chewable object for carnivorous pets. The inventive object (1) is provided with an elongated shape and comprises a chewable, edible and digestible substance. The invention is characterised in that the shape of the object (1) comprises at least two dihedrals (d1, d2) having edges (a1, a2) which essentially extend along the entire length of the object. |
| US09681640B2 |
Waste pad
A pet waste collection apparatus having an absorbent pad having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable layer and an opposing substantially leak proof layer; the absorbent pad comprising at least one innermost layer of waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between the opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume therebetween extending to the outer peripheral border, which has an interior passageway, a draw tape therein, and a plurality of outside cut off corners having adjacent interior passageway openings; the draw tape having a length greater than that of the outer peripheral border; the draw tape routed through the adjacent interior passageway openings exposing the draw tape at the outside cut off corners; the waste collection apparatus forming a bag, when the draw tape is pulled taut. |
| US09681639B2 |
Toilet device for cats
A feces and urine disposal device for cats includes a support structure having parallel, vertically extending wall members, a bottom chamber, and an elevated relief area between the opposing wall members and above the bottom chamber. The relief area includes a pair of longitudinal channels disposed in spaced, parallel relation to one another and an open longitudinal gap between the channels and communicating with the bottom chamber. In use, a cat stands in the relief area with the left paws in one channel and the right paws in the opposite channel so that the cat is straddling the gap. When the cat relieves itself, feces and urine pass through the gap and into a removable trough positioned in the bottom chamber or directly into a toilet bowl. Cat litter or another odor absorbing or containing substance can be placed in the trough, as well as the relief area. |
| US09681633B2 |
Lettuce variety 41-138 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-138 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including broad base leaves, resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1-31 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), and to corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), wherein resistance to Bremia lactucae races Ca-I to Ca-VIII is conferred by resistance gene Dm17. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-138 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-138 RZ. |
| US09681632B2 |
Lactuca sativa cultivar river road
According to the invention, there is provided a novel romaine lettuce cultivar, designated River Road. ‘River Road’ is described as a vigorous romaine cultivar recommended for the main lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona. It has light heavy head weight, with long wide leaves. This invention thus relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar River Road, to the plants of lettuce cultivar River Road, to plant parts of lettuce cultivar River Road, to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar by crossing the lettuce cultivar River Road with another lettuce cultivar, and to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. |
| US09681624B2 |
Soybean cultivar 36211415
A soybean cultivar designated 36211415 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 36211415, to the plants of soybean cultivar 36211415, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 36211415, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 36211415. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 36211415. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 36211415, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 36211415 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09681623B1 |
Maize hybrid X00F915
A novel maize variety designated X00F915 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X00F915 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00F915 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00F915, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00F915. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00F915. |
| US09681620B2 |
Barley mutant lines having grain with ultra-high beta glucan content
The present disclosure relates to barley plants having grain with ultra-high beta-glucan content, methods for constructing said barley plants, grain therefrom and uses thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, present disclosure provides a barley plant having grain with ultra-high beta-glucan content known as CM1. |
| US09681618B2 |
Tomato line FDR-9Q09166
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FDR-9Q09166 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line FDR-9Q09166 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09681616B2 |
Method to identify asian soybean rust resistance quantitative trait loci in soybean and compositions thereof
The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), a fungal disease associated with Phakopsora spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring disease resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to ASR. |
| US09681614B2 |
Closterovirus-resistant melon plants
The present invention relates to plant of the species Cucumis melo, said plant comprising a genetic element derived from a plant of the species Cucumis melo var. agrestis, which genetic element comprises a closterovirus-resistance-conferring QTL or a closterovirus-resistance-conferring part thereof linked to at least one marker located on the chromosome equivalent to linkage group (LG) 6 of melon accession PI 313970, wherein said plant is not melon accession PI 313970. |
| US09681612B2 |
Watering system for plants
A watering system includes a bottle unit or a water level control unit which has a float member to control the water level of the tank in a planting hole. The float member controls the operation of the water inlet valve and the water level in the bottle unit so as to control the amount of water that the planting hole provides to the soil outside the planting hole without using electricity. The plants are properly watered automatically all day long. The water permeates into the soil outside the planting hole to water the plants that are planted in a larger area. The watering system is suitable for watering the plants in a large area or in pots. |
| US09681611B2 |
Automated gravimetric screening platform system and method
A pot for use with system for controlling soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments includes a body portion having an open top end and a bottom end, and a flange coupled to the body portion adjacent the top end. The flange is configured to engage a platform to hold the body portion within an opening of the platform. The pot also includes a fluid reservoir having a bottom portion located adjacent the bottom end of the body portion, a plurality of vertically extending fluid channels extending upwardly toward the top end of the body portion, a fill opening located at the bottom end of the body portion in communication with the bottom portion of the fluid reservoir, and a check valve coupled to the fill opening to permit fluid to be supplied to the fluid reservoir from the bottom end of the body portion through fill opening and the check valve. |
| US09681610B2 |
Integrated control circuitry and coil assembly for irrigation control
An integrated irrigation valve control device has a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of the coil and at least a portion of the control circuitry. |
| US09681609B2 |
Garden plot watering enclosure
The application discloses a unique technique for watering a garden. This technique involves application of a watering system. This system provides an enclosure about the garden plot that includes a barrier permissive of light and air to the garden plot and at least partly preventing entry of land animals of interest to the garden plot. The garden plot is watered through a number of misting nozzles connected to the enclosure and held above the garden plot. Water is distributed to the misting nozzles with a conduit loop. Multiple conduit loops may be included to disburse the water. |
| US09681607B2 |
Twin axial-flow crop processor in a combine harvester
A combine harvester including a frame and a twin rotor crop processor mounted to the frame. The processor comprises a pair of axial-flow crop processing rotors arranged side-by-side and each being mounted for rotation inside a generally cylindrical rotor housing. Each rotor housing includes a curved cover plate. Each cover plate has a structure that includes a flange along a longitudinal edge for securing the plate to a central frame member between the rotor housings. Both flanges intersect a hypothetical vertical plane aligned with the frame member. |
| US09681606B2 |
Beet crop heap divider apparatus
The pick-up apparatus (2) for picking up harvested root crop, in particular sugar beets, from a root crop heap, comprises a pick-up section (8) which defines a pick-up direction PD a pick-up plane PL and a first lateral outward direction LOD1, comprises a pick-up member (24), and a pick-up frame (20), the pick-up frame (20) having a first lateral side (36), a second lateral side (38) and forming a pick-up opening (42), the pick-up opening (42) and the pick-up direction PD defining a pick-up area PA on the pick-up plane PL. The pick-up apparatus (2) comprises a heap divider (10) adapted for dividing the root crop heap and comprising a mobile heap dividing member (100), the mobile heap dividing member is adapted to convey root crop which is situated outside the pick-up area PA into the pick-up area PA. |
| US09681603B2 |
Cam action windguard
A windguard is provided that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as around baler, waste baler, combine, sugarcane harvester or cotton harvester. More particularly, the windguard utilizes at least a first and a second pivot tab, each comprising a cam that is adapted for alignment into a slot along a first and second side arms of the windguard and that allows a upward or downward movement of the pivot tabs in the slot. The sliding motion of the cam in the slot allows the windguard to automatically adjust during operation without manual adjustment or pre-adjustment prior to operation. |
| US09681602B2 |
Single particulate metering system with variable rate controls
An improved particulate metering system is provided. The system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The improved system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field. |
| US09681600B2 |
Selective fan shaped material distributor
A material distribution system includes: a chassis; a material tank carried by the chassis and configured to hold a material; and a header configured to receive and distribute material from the material tank entrained in an air flow. The header includes: a header body having a pair of sidewalls, an inlet configured to receive entrained material from the material tank and a plurality of outlets, the sidewalls defining a width therebetween that increases from the inlet toward the plurality of outlets; a valve associated with an outlet that is configured to switch between a distributing position and a purging position, the valve blocking its outlet in the purging position; and a plenum having a volume of air that is selectively in fluid communication with the plurality of outlets to provide a purging air flow to the outlet with the associated valve when the valve is in the purging position. |
| US09681599B2 |
Paddle closing wheel
A pair of paddle closing wheels are adapted to be coupled to a frame structure that is coupled to a planter unit pulled by a motive power source. The paddle closing wheels are rotatably attached to the frame structure and are adapted to engage the soil. Fingers extend from the paddle closing wheel in a radial direction and include paddles that are coupled to the fingers. Once the seed is deposited in the soil the paddle closing wheels move the soil to cover up the seeds. |
| US09681597B1 |
Weed-pulling tool
A weed-pulling tool including a rectangular blade with a V-shaped notch at one end thereof and a handle connected to the blade via a tubular extension member extending from a second end thereof. The handle forms approximately a 50° angle with the level ground when the blade is laid flat against the ground. Such a configuration provides suitable leverage whereby a user may: (i) slide the blade into position with stems from one or more weeds in the V-shaped notch and (ii) push down on the handle thereby causing rotation about a support point such that the V-shaped notch portion of the blade pulls the one or more weeds, including root systems, out of the ground. One or more stiffening ribs runs along the perimeter of the V-shaped notch. The stiffening rib helps prevent the blade portions adjacent to the V-shaped notch from bending or failing while weeds are being pulled. |
| US09681596B2 |
Row making tool
A hand-pulled garden row making tool includes a set of blades that are attached to a rail. The rail is attached to an elongated shaft coupled to a pull handle. The wide pull handle allows the tool to be easily pulled and turned to give the tool a continuous, rapid movement capability. The blades enable the user to create multiple sets of deep, straight, and evenly spaced rows of furrows with corresponding rows of mounds, each row of proportional depth, height, and width. The tool facilitates the design of a garden layout plan, the seeding process, the harvesting process, and the conservation of irrigation water. |
| US09686893B2 |
Shielded electrical cable
A shielded electrical cable includes a conductor set and two generally parallel shielding films disposed around the conductor set. The conductor set includes one or more substantially parallel longitudinal insulated conductors. The shielding films include a parallel portion wherein the shielding films are substantially parallel. The parallel portion is configured to electrically isolate the conductor set. |
| US09686882B2 |
Modular data center cabinet rack guide and retention mechanism
A modular data center includes a first alignment component, and a second alignment component. The first alignment component is mounted at a first location on a floor of the modular data center, and is configured to align a cabinet rack within a rack slot of the modular data center. The second alignment component is mounted at a second location on the floor, and is configured be placed in physical communication with the cabinet rack in response to the cabinet rack being fully inserted in the rack slot. |
| US09686874B2 |
Display device
Provided is a display device that includes a middle cabinet in which two display panels of which two rear sides are leaning on each other are safely held, and an incision is formed in at least a portion of a rim of the middle cabinet; a back cover is interposed between the two display panels and has an extension portion that is inserted through the incision and extends to an outside, and a fixing member in which control printed circuit boards that are coupled to the extension portion of the back cover and are connected to the two display panels respectively are embedded. |
| US09686873B2 |
Housing for a portable electronic device
A housing for a portable electronic device including a first transparent curved portion configured to curve from a front face of the housing to a first side face of the housing; a second transparent curved portion configured to curve from the front face of the housing to a second side face of the housing; a third transparent curved portion configured to curve from a rear face of the housing to the first side face of the housing; and a fourth transparent curved portion configured to curve from the rear face of the housing to the second side face of the housing. |
| US09686868B2 |
Method of removing soluble material layer by dissolving, method of manufacturing member, socket for use in electronic part, and electric and electronic devices
A concave part defined by a ring-shaped step is formed on the upper surface of a housing body. A first elastic member is brought into contact with a portion of an electroless nickel-plated layer, the portion being in a region inside the concave part. The first elastic member is then pressed and deformed so that the whole of an angular portion, at which the upper surface of the ring-shaped step and its side surface cross, bites into the first elastic member and that the first elastic member and the electroless nickel-plated layer on the upper surface of the ring-shaped step are separated from each other. The housing body is then immersed in a dissolving liquid that can dissolve the electroless nickel-plated layer while the first elastic member is kept deformed. |
| US09686866B2 |
Package structure and manufacturing method thereof
A package structure includes a circuit substrate, at least one electronic component, and a connecting slot. The circuit substrate includes at least one core layer, a build-up structure including at least three patterned circuit layers, at least two dielectric layers and conductive through holes, and circuit pads. The electronic component is embedded in at least one of the dielectric layers and located in a disposition area. The electronic component is electrically connected to one of the patterned circuit layers through a portion of the conductive through holes. The connecting slot has a bottom portion, a plurality of sidewall portions connecting the bottom portion, and a plurality of connecting pads located on the sidewall portions. The circuit substrate is assembled to the bottom portion, and the circuit pads are electrically connected to the connecting pads through a bent area of the core layer that is bent relative to the disposition area. |
| US09686864B2 |
Device including interposer between semiconductor and substrate
A device including a semiconductor, a substrate, and an interposer. The interposer is attached between the semiconductor and the substrate to absorb stresses between the semiconductor and the substrate. |
| US09686857B2 |
Opto-electric hybrid module
An opto-electric hybrid module is provided. In the opto-electric hybrid module, a core and an electric circuit including electric circuit body portions and mounting pads are provided on a surface of an under-cladding layer of an optical waveguide. An optical element is mounted on the mounting pads with its electrodes in abutment against the mounting pads. The core is covered with the over-cladding layer, and a center portion of the optical element is positioned above a portion of the over-cladding layer covering a top surface of the core. A portion of the electric circuit excluding the mounting pads and a surface portion of the under-cladding layer present between the electric circuit body portions of the electric circuit and present between the electric circuit body portion and the mounting pad are covered with a core material layer formed of the same material as the core. |
| US09686855B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor with interposer, and interposer for multilayer ceramic capacitor
An embodiment of an multilayer ceramic capacitor with interposer includes: an interposer 20 having an insulated substrate 21, two first conductor pads 22, two second conductor pads 23 and two conductor vias 24 connecting the first conductor pads 22 and second conductor pads 23; and a multilayer ceramic capacitor 10 having external electrodes 12 that are each connected to each first conductor pad 22 of the interposer 20 via solder SOL. Each conductor via 24 of the interposer 20 has a through hole 24a inside, and a void GA not filled with the solder SOL is present in each through hole 24a on the second conductor pad 23 side. The multilayer ceramic capacitor with interposer is capable of suppressing noise due to electrostriction. |
| US09686854B2 |
Electronic device
In an electronic device, a heat generating element is connected directly to an electrically-conductive joining material that is the start point of the heat dissipation path on the one surface of the substrate, and the other surface of the substrate is provided by an other surface side insulating layer. An electrically-conductive other surface side electrode connected to an external heat dissipation member is disposed on the surface of the other surface side insulating layer right under the heat generating element. On the other surface side of the substrate, an other surface side inner layer wire that is the end point of the heat dissipation path extends to the other surface side insulating layer and is insulated electrically from the other surface side electrode through the other surface side insulating layer. |
| US09686853B2 |
Thermal interface solution with reduced adhesion force
A method comprises applying an adhesive to a first substrate and a second substrate to secure the first substrate to the second substrate. The adhesive extends in a plane on one side of an interposer that also extends in the plane, and is contiguous with the adhesive. The interposer comprises openings to enable flow of adhesive through the openings to form adhesive bond areas on one of the substrates where the areas substantially conform to the openings and lie adjacent to adhesive free areas. The adhesive substantially covers the other of the substrates so that the bond areas produce regions of reduced adhesive strength to the one substrate compared to the bond strength of the adhesive to the other substrate. Adjusting opening sizes adjusts area bond strengths. One substrate may comprise a VTM, the other a heat spreader, and the adhesive, a TIM. An article of manufacture comprises the substrate-adhesive-interposer-adhesive-substrate layers. |
| US09686842B1 |
Universal smart lighting gateway
A system and method for discovering at least one dimming control protocol installed in a plurality of lighting devices and for controlling a plurality of dimming levels of the plurality of lighting devices are disclosed. The system may include at least one gateway that connects to at least one plurality of luminaires and/or LED's, at least one sensor subsystem and at least one power meter. The system and method may exchange information between a plurality of light devices and a self-organized, self-discovering gateway device. The gateway may use one or more known control protocols as an input and is able to handle multiple light devices that support different control protocols. This ability makes the gateway a universal lighting control gateway. |
| US09686839B1 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a structured light generation unit and a controlling unit. The structured light generation unit includes plural light sources and an optical element group. After plural light beams from the plural light sources pass through the optical element group, a first structured light pattern corresponding to a first light source is projected on a first position of the projection surface and a second structured light pattern corresponding to a second light source is projected on a second position of the projection surface. The first position and the second position are different. The controlling unit controls the first light source and the second light source to emit the light beams according to a time sequence. Consequently, the first structured light pattern and the second structured light pattern are projected on the projection surface according to the time sequence. |
| US09686837B1 |
Foldable display device
Disclosed is a foldable display device comprising: a display panel comprising a display area, and one or more foldable areas and non-foldable areas located within the display area; a cover film disposed on a front surface of the display panel; a support disposed at a back surface of the display panel; and a drive circuit to drive the display panel. One of the foldable areas may be located at a display surface near one edge area of the display panel, such that the edge area of the display panel is folded toward the back surface of the display panel, and the drive circuit is located on a flexible printed circuit board provided at the back surface of the display panel while being connected to the edge area of the display panel. |
| US09686836B2 |
LED driving device, illuminator, and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a light emitting diode (LED) driving device as a semiconductor device, which comprises: a direct current/direct current (DC/DC) controller, for controlling an output segment that is used to generate an output voltage from an input voltage and supply the output voltage to an LED; an output current driver, for generating an output current of the LED; and an LED short-circuit detection circuit, for monitoring a cathode voltage of the LED to perform an LED short-circuit detection, wherein the LED short-circuit detection circuit controls whether an action is performed or not according to a short-circuit detection enable signal input from outside the LED driving device. |
| US09686834B2 |
Powering internal components of LED lamps using dissipative sources
An LED lamp comprises one or more LEDs and an LED driver receiving an input signal from a dimmer switch indicative of an amount of dimming for the LED lamp. The LED driver controls regulated current through the one or more LEDs based on the input signal such that an output light intensity of the one or more LEDs substantially corresponds to the amount of dimming for the LED lamp. A regulated output provides operating power for the LED driver. A controller regulates the regulated output to power the LED driver. The controller selects a power source for charging the regulated output from two or more power sources, and the regulated output is charged using the power source selected by the controller. |
| US09686831B2 |
Enhanced lighting fixture
A lighting fixture having a light source, a light sensor, a communication interface, and circuitry is described. In addition to controlling the light source, the circuitry is adapted to monitor for a light signal provided from a handheld device via the light sensor; upon receiving the light signal, measure a signal level associated with the light signal; and effect transmission of the signal level to the handheld device via the communication interface. In one embodiment, the circuitry is further configured to receive an instruction to monitor for the light signal from the handheld device via the communication interface such that the circuitry begins monitoring for the light signal upon receiving the instruction. |
| US09686825B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling a user interface and/or door of a cooking device
A cooking device includes a user interface having an outer surface. The user interface is connected to an outer enclosure. A duct is connected to the user interface. A door is connected to the outer enclosure. A cooling device is in thermal communication with a member selected from the group consisting of the outer surface and the door. The cooling device is connected to the user interface or the door by the duct. |
| US09686823B2 |
Electric heater
An electric heater for an automobile vehicle, with at least one heating element and with at least one circuit board, whereby the circuit board has at least one contact area through which an electrical connection between a heating element and a power supply can be realized. The heating element has at least one PTC-heating element, whereby the heating element can be clipped to the circuit board via a connector clip, and whereby the connector clip has two flexible extensions, which are arranged opposed to each other. |
| US09686820B2 |
Transferring data between mobile devices having heterogeneous wireless communication interfaces
Methods, systems and computer program products for transferring data between mobile devices having heterogeneous wireless communication interfaces includes identifying one or more intermediate mobile devices from social network databases upon detecting an initiation of data transfer from a first mobile device to a second mobile device, wherein the first and second mobile devices have heterogeneous wireless communication interfaces, and wherein the intermediate mobile devices have wireless communication interface compatibility to form an ad hoc wireless network with the first and second mobile devices for transferring data from the first to the second mobile device; implementing the ad hoc wireless network based on availability of the intermediate mobile devices; and transferring the data from the first to the second mobile device through the ad hoc wireless network, wherein said transferring includes hopping the data through each of the intermediate mobile devices from the first to the second mobile device. |
| US09686818B2 |
Systems and methods of power efficient Wi-Fi
In example embodiments disclosed herein, a primary wireless device infrequently sends a ping to a secondary device to determine if there are any communications from an access point intended for the primary wireless device. The secondary device, ideally connected to wall power, is wirelessly connected to the access point, acting as a connected proxy so that the primary wireless device, typically battery powered, does not always have to be connected. In a situation in which an incoming communication is intended for the primary device, the secondary device receives the notification and buffers whatever is sent from the access point intended for the primary wireless device and acknowledges the receipt. Then, when the primary wireless device pings the secondary device, the secondary device sends the buffered communication to the primary wireless device. As far as the access point is concerned, it thinks it is communicating directly with primary wireless device. |
| US09686817B2 |
Apparatus of user equipment (UE) configurable for connectivity with multiple cell groups
Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and methods for enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) operations for inter eNB carrier aggregation (CA) in an LTE network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a UE is configured to be served by multiple serving cells. The first set of the serving cells may be associated with a first eNB and a second set of serving cells may be associated with a second eNB. In these embodiments, DRX operations may be performed independently in multiple serving cells belonging to the different eNBs. Other embodiments for enhanced DRX operations are also described. |
| US09686815B2 |
Devices and methods for managing discontinuous transmission at a wireless access terminal
Access terminals are adapted to facilitate discontinuous transmission (DTX). According to one example, an access terminal determines to disable DTX, such that a continuous reverse link transmission may occur, in a fashion such as not to interfere with the operation of a Frame Early Termination operation utilized in CDMA 1× technology. As one example, the access terminal may cease the utilization of DTX in accordance with a performance metric of a wireless communication network. The performance metric may be a forward link power control setpoint of a base station, a number of quasi-orthogonal function sets being utilized at the base station, a number of frame erasures corresponding to a forward link transmission from the base station, or any other suitable measurable parameter of the network performance. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US09686813B2 |
Wireless services gateway
A system for integrating wireless service providers' core networks with Wi-Fi radios using a Wireless Services Gateway (WSG). The WSG can allow wireless device users to seamlessly connect to a network such as the internet using both cellular phone antennae as well as Wi-Fi radio antennae while still utilizing their preferred wireless service provider's core network system of billing, authenticating and policy decision making. This system can allow for data transmission of wireless devices through Wi-Fi instead of through cellular antennae, thus increasing bandwidth and data transmission rates. |
| US09686809B2 |
Combining IP and cellular mobility
The invention proposes a system for providing mobility to a terminal through at least two different mobility protocols, wherein a mobility gateway and a terminal share a common mobility session, said common mobility session can be updated through any of the said different mobility protocols, and each mobility protocol provides information to the terminal related to all other mobility protocol during a registration. The invention also proposes a corresponding gateway, a terminal and method. |
| US09686804B2 |
Method and network node for assisting handling of interference at a receiver device
It is presented a method for assisting handling of interference at a receiver device. The method is performed in a network node and comprises the steps of: determining a parameter indicating a maximum number of interfering streams for which interference suppression is likely to be successful at the receiver device; determining that a number of potentially interfering streams at the receiver device exceeds the maximum number of interfering streams indicated by the parameter; and scheduling transmissions to avoid that the number of concurrent interfering streams at the receiver device exceeds the maximum number of interfering streams indicated by the parameter. A corresponding network node is also presented. |
| US09686798B1 |
System and method for providing collision-avoided physical downlink control channel resource allocation in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include ranking a plurality of downlink control information (DCI) messages according to a first rank criterion; ranking a plurality of allowable resource sets for each ranked DCI message according to a second rank criterion; and allocating resources for each ranked DCI message based, at least in part, on whether particular resources, which are to be allocated for a particular ranked DCI message, are collided, at least in part, with previously allocated resources for one or more other DCI messages. |
| US09686796B2 |
Communication control apparatus, communication control method, and communication system
There is provided a communication control apparatus including a parameter acquisition unit that acquires parameters to calculate coverage of secondary systems from a secondary usage node operating the secondary systems on a frequency channel allocated to a primary system, a calculation unit that calculates the coverage of the secondary systems using the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit, and an interference control unit that notifies a detection node that detects neighboring secondary systems of the secondary systems, of coverage information representing the coverage of the secondary systems calculated by the calculation unit. |
| US09686794B2 |
Communication system, communication method, and communication apparatus
Provided is a communication system that, in using a communication scheme such as TD-LTE, may attain a high speed communication by securing a bandwidth of carriers and prevent radio interference with another system by keeping the carriers within a frequency band assigned to the communication scheme. Specifically, the communication system having a plurality of communication apparatuses for carrying out a radio communication by assigning the plurality of communication apparatuses to a second frequency band with a predetermined bandwidth to be exceeded by carriers serially assigned, assigns the carriers to the second frequency band in such a manner as to overlap a portion of each of the carriers, and a communication apparatus (10a) using one of the carriers and a communication apparatus (10b) using the other carrier carry out the radio communication by preferentially using respective ranges of the overlapping portion. |
| US09686791B2 |
Protocols for enabling mode 1 and mode 2 devices in TV white space networks
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for operating in a television white space (TVWS) network. One example method generally includes receiving, at an apparatus, a message with a field indicating a current version of an unused frequency spectrum map (e.g., a white space map (WSM)), the unused frequency spectrum map indicating channels usable for wireless communications; determining whether the current version of the unused frequency spectrum map is different than a previous version of the unused frequency spectrum map; and using a channel for wireless communications based on the determination. Another example method generally includes accessing a database of available channels for a current location of an apparatus via a neighboring portable or fixed enabling apparatus and enabling one or more portable dependent apparatuses for the wireless communications via one or more of the available channels. |
| US09686790B2 |
Signaling for wireless communications
A communication system, such as a wireless CDMA system, detects markers with fewer errors by having field units transmit the markers at different power levels (e.g., 9 dB for one marker and 11 dB for another marker). The difference in power levels of the markers allows the base station to identify the request markers using alternative criteria with a low probability of error, where the alternative criteria may include comparing the markers to respective energy level thresholds, monitoring occupancy of time slots, occupancy of mutually exclusive code channels, or combinations thereof. For example, in one particular embodiment, a request marker, which is generally a high priority marker, is transmitted with higher power, which improves the probability of detection and reduces the probability of false detection of the request marker. |
| US09686788B2 |
Subframe configurations for LTE TDD systems
Certain aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for transmitting uplink transmissions in special subframes for LTE TDD systems. Certain aspects provide a method that generally includes determining a region of uplink transmissions in uplink pilot timeslot (UpPTS), wherein the UpPTS comprises three or more symbols allocated for uplink transmissions, and transmitting in the UpPTS. |
| US09686786B2 |
Method for updating base station information in converged network supporting multiple communication systems, and device therefor
This method whereby abase station in a first communication system updates base station information in a converged network supporting multiple communication systems may comprise the steps of: receiving a first message including changed information from a base station in a second communication system if information from and related to the base station in the second communication system has changed or if information related to the base station in the first communication system has changed; and updating with the changed information on the basis of the first message. |
| US09686783B1 |
Method and apparatus for PDCCH detection
Low latency wireless communication applications require highly dynamic allocation of resources. Providing allocation information on a highly dynamic basis increases the overhead of control signaling for allocation. A technique known as blind PDCCH decoding is used to reduce the control signaling overhead for allocation information. However, blind decoding occasionally may lead to invalid detection of allocation messages which in turn may lead to a number of problems such as wasted bandwidth, more power consumption, reduced throughput, etc. A method and apparatus are disclosed that may detect the invalid allocation messages and discard them which in turn may lead to detection of valid allocation messages for increased data throughput and reduced power consumption and improve the overall performance. |
| US09686781B2 |
Establishing an RF link between a base station and a medical device
Certain embodiments described herein enable a base station (BS) and a medical device (MD) to establish a radio frequency (RF) link using any one of a plurality of different RF channels. The MD sniffs the RF channels over which a BS may send a link request, and tunes to the RF channel identified, as a result of the sniffing, as the channel over which a BS may be transmitting a link request. The MD may also demodulate a signal received over the RF channel to which the MD is tuned, and determine, based on a portion of the demodulated signal including a channel identifier, a specific one of the RF channels over which a BS is actually transmitting. This enables the MD to change the channel to which it is tuned if it determines that it is not tuned to the RF channel over which a BS is actually transmitting. |
| US09686780B2 |
Delivery of downlink control information associated with downlink data transmission on a licensed-assisted access carrier
A method of delivering downlink control information associated with downlink data transmission on an unlicensed channel includes, transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment (UE) on a second channel without knowing when the unlicensed channel is available for transmission, wherein the downlink control information corresponds to a later transmission of data on the unlicensed channel if the unlicensed channel is available; and transmitting the data to the UE on the unlicensed channel according to the downlink control information, if the unlicensed channel is available for transmission. |
| US09686779B2 |
Method and apparatus for deactivating secondary carriers in mobile communication system using carrier aggregation
A method and an apparatus in a mobile communication system are provided. The method includes receiving, by the terminal, first information for activating a secondary Cell (SCell) from a base station, activating, by the terminal, the SCell based on the first information, starting, by the terminal, a timer associated with the SCell, restarting, by the terminal, if second information for the activated SCell is received from the base station, the timer associated with the SCell, and, if the timer expires, applying by the terminal, one or more corresponding actions for deactivating the SCell no later than in a predefined subframe, wherein the second information includes at least one of an uplink grant on the activated SCell, a downlink assignment on the activated SCell, and a control message for activating the SCell. |
| US09686778B2 |
Feedback information transmitting method and device
Disclosed are a feedback information transmitting method and device, used for addressing a lack of a plan for solving the problem of transmitting uplink control information corresponding to downlink carrier scheduled by a plurality of base stations in a dual connectivity scenario. A terminal of the present invention receives over a first carrier the data scheduled by a first base station, and receives over a second carrier the data scheduled by a second base station; generating first uplink control information for the first carrier, and/or generating second uplink control information for the second carrier; transmitting the generated uplink control information via PUCCH and/or PUSCH over an uplink carrier, the uplink control information comprising at least one of the first uplink control information and the second uplink control information. Therefore, a terminal transmitting uplink control information over only one carrier can send timely feedback of uplink control information corresponding to the downlink carrier scheduled by different base stations, ensuring that different base stations can timely acquire the feedback information corresponding to the downlink carrier scheduled by the different base stations. |
| US09686777B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information (UCI) by user equipment in a wireless communication. The user equipment performs channel coding on information bits of the UCI to generate encoding information bits; performs modulation on the thus generated encoding information bits to generate complex modulation symbols; spreads the complex modulation symbols block-wise to a plurality of single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols based on an orthogonal sequence; and transmits the spread complex modulation symbols to a base station. |
| US09686776B2 |
Method and device for processing information
Disclosed are a method and an device for processing information. In the method, a UE receives a higher-layer signaling from a base station, wherein the higher-layer signaling carries uplink channel resources configured by the base station for the UE, and the uplink channel resources are used for simultaneously transmitting periodic channel state information P-CSI of a plurality of serving cells corresponding to the UE, or are used for simultaneously transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgments HARQ-ACKs of the plurality of serving cells corresponding to the UE and the P-CSI of the plurality of serving cells; and the UE simultaneously transmits the P-CSI of the plurality of serving cells on the uplink channel resources according to the higher-layer signaling in a preset uplink sub-frame, or simultaneously transmits the HARQ-ACKs of the plurality of serving cells and the P-CSI of the plurality of serving cells. |
| US09686775B2 |
Radio communication system and radio communication method
Instead of adding control information that should be passed on to two or more RLC entities or two or more PDCP entities on the counterpart side to data respectively in two or more RLC entities or two or more PDCP entities at the sending end, control information is added in MAC entity and then distributed to two or more RLC entities in MAC entity on the counterpart side. |
| US09686774B2 |
Communication system, method, and apparatus
A core network includes a plurality of nodes that serve as nodes managing mobility of a terminal and that are different with regards to service functions that nodes provide to the terminal. Based on subscriber information and terminal information, a node to be connected to the terminal is selected on the core network side, depending on a service characteristic utilized by the terminal or on a type of the terminal and the terminal is connected to the selected node. |
| US09686765B2 |
Determining an angle of direct path of a signal
A signal transmitted from a mobile device is received at a device. A change in angle-of-arrival (AoA) of the signal is computed as the mobile device moves from a first location to a second location. A first distance and a second distance of the mobile from the device corresponding to the first and second locations, respectively are computed. A displacement of the mobile device from the first location to the second location is computed based on mobility information provided by a sensor of the mobile device. A change in an angle of direct path (ANDP) of the signal is computed based on the first distance, the second distance, and the displacement. The ANDP is determined based on a comparison of the change in AoA to the change in ANDP. |
| US09686760B2 |
Multiple independent narrow channels in wireless networks
A multiple independent narrow-channel wireless network and method for transmitting and received data over a wireless network using a fragmented frequency spectrum. The system and method uses a plurality of narrow wireless channels obtained from splitting a wide wireless channel. Each narrow channel performs sending, receiving, and carrier sensing. Moreover, each narrow channel is independent such that data can be sent or received without any interference from other narrow channels and without synchronization. Embodiments of the system and method include a compound radio having a compound receiver and a compound transmitter. The compound transmitter includes an inter-radiolet symbol synchronization module, to permit use of a single inverse fast Fourier transform block, and a dynamically configurable filter array, to mitigate leakage between channels. The compound receiver uses fraction data rate processing to optimize efficiency. A throughput maximal metric technique is used to determine its frequency of operation in white spaces. |
| US09686758B2 |
Calculating power headroom based on pathloss and subframe sets
A terminal apparatus that communicates with a base station apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, receives information indicating a subframe in a first subframe set and a subframe in a second subframe set, using higher-layer signaling, computes a power headroom using a first set of parameters and an estimated value of a downlink pathloss that is calculated in the terminal apparatus, if a certain subframe belongs to the first subframe set, to compute the power headroom for the certain subframe, and computes the power headroom using a second set of parameters and the estimated value of the downlink pathloss, if the certain subframe belongs to the second subframe set, in which a first parameter by which the estimated value of the downlink pathloss is multiplied is included in the first set of parameters, and a second parameter by which the estimated value of the downlink pathloss is multiplied is included in the second set of parameters. |
| US09686757B1 |
Peak to average power ratio (PAPR) reduction in a wireless network
A wireless device generates a High Efficiency (HE) Physical layer Protocol Data Units (PPDU) including a non-High Throughput Signal (L-SIG) field and transmits the HE PPDU. Transmitting the HE PDDU includes transmitting a set of extra tones with the L-SIG field. The set of extra tones include a sequence of values, and first, second, third, and fourth values of the sequence of values respectively correspond to BPSK constellation values of −1, −1, −1, and +1. The set of extra tones may include −28th, −27th, 27th, and 28th subcarriers, relative to a center (zero) subcarrier, of a 20 MHz bandwidth of the HE PPDU, and may be used to transmit the first, second, third, and fourth values of the sequence of values, respectively. Another wireless device may receive the HE PPDU, and may use the set of extra tones to estimate a channel. |
| US09686756B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
There is provided a wireless communication apparatus which achieves high efficiency in power use in such a manner that transmission power is adequately distributed in simultaneous transmission to multiple base stations. The wireless communication apparatus provided by the present invention, at the same time, transmits a first data signal to a first base station apparatus by using a first CC and transmits a second data signal to a second base station apparatus by using a second CC. The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission-power controller that scales transmission power by using different scaling factors for the first data signal and the second data signal, when the sum of transmission power of the first data signal and transmission power of the second data signal is larger than a predetermined value. The transmission power of the first data signal is calculated to obtain predetermined reception power in the first base station apparatus. The transmission power of the second data signal is calculated to obtain predetermined reception power in the second base station apparatus. |
| US09686753B2 |
Base station, terminal, and power control methods thereof
Disclosed are a base station, a terminal and power control methods thereof, and the power control method for a base station, when the base station transmits information to a user terminal, includes: a first transmission power at which the data information is transmitted to the user terminal is acquired; a first strength of data interference on a terminal attributed to a neighboring base station is determined based on the first transmission power; it is determined whether a difference value between the first strength of the data interference and an interference threshold is larger than 0 to acquire a determination result; and if the determination result is larger than 0, the first transmission power is lowered to a second transmission power so that when the data information is transmitted at the second transmission power, a second strength of the data interference on the terminal attributed to the neighboring base station does not exceed the interference threshold, thereby solving the technical problem in the prior art that there is too excessive interference on other terminals when a base station transmits data signals. |
| US09686748B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling power of terminal
A terminal communicating with at least one wireless communication device determines whether a first data is received from the at least one wireless communication device in a first mode, in which power is supplied to a display portion, determines whether a second data is received during a first time period from the time when the first data is received, and switches to a second mode in which the power supplied to the display portion is blocked according to whether the second data is received. |
| US09686746B2 |
Telematics terminal and telematics center for preventing vehicle discharge and control method thereof
A telematics terminal includes: a modem unit communicating with a telematics center; and a controller i) monitoring an amount of current consumption by the modem unit in a sleep mode in which the telematics terminal is operated at low power, ii) when the monitored amount of current consumption exceeds a designated current consumption amount and the modem unit is in danger of electrical discharge, transmitting a vehicle discharge danger message indicating a current position of the telematics terminal to the telematics center, and iii) when a vehicle control command corresponding to the vehicle discharge danger message is received from the telematics center, performing an operation corresponding to the vehicle control command. |
| US09686745B2 |
System and method for wirelessly uploading and downloading information
A device for use with a wireless transceiver that is operable to transmit a data file. The device includes a communication component, a processing component, a parameter detecting component and a controlling component. The communication component wirelessly communicates with the transceiver. The processing component operates in a first manner. The parameter detecting component detects a first parameter and generates a parameter signal based on the detected first parameter. The controlling component generates a wake-up signal based on the parameter signal. The communication component can further receive the data file based on the wake-up signal. The processing component can further operate in a second manner based on the data file. |
| US09686744B2 |
Detection of fades for receive diversity enablement in a fading channel
The disclosure discloses enabling/disabling receive diversity, including determining the UE in a receive diversity enabled state; comparing a first and second receive chain filtered channel chip energy to interference density ratio to an EcI0 threshold, wherein the first and second receive chain filtered channel chip energy to interference density ratios are based on at least two power measurements obtained in the receive diversity enabled state; comparing a first receive chain measured number of Ec/I0 samples below EcI0_LCR_thrshld to a non-receive diversity threshold, wherein the first receive chain measured number of Ec/I0 samples is based on the first receive chain filtered channel chip energy to interference density ratio; and comparing a second receive chain measured number of Ec/I0 samples below EcI0_LCR_thrshld to the non-receive diversity threshold, wherein the second receive chain measured number of Ec/I0 samples is based on the second receive chain filtered channel chip energy to interference density ratio. |
| US09686743B2 |
Power optimizations for challenging WAN service conditions
A method for a tracking device optimizing power to remain reachable for a desired period based on evaluated wide-area-network conditions. The tracking device may communicate via a power-intensive long-range transceiver and may continually measure service conditions related to network communications. The tracking device may periodically calculate statistical information describing the service conditions, such as a percentage of time in which the tracking device was out-of-network-service. Based on the statistics, the tracking device may operate in an optimization mode to conserve power when out-of-network-service. In an embodiment, the tracking device may calculate the statistics based on evaluation periods defined by predefined numbers of out-of-network-service occurrences, predefined time periods, and/or a hybrid of both. In an embodiment, the tracking device may conserve power in a power save state that alternates with another operating state in which the tracking device periodically evaluates criteria before either continuing to conserve power or utilize network resources. |
| US09686742B1 |
Method and apparatus to reduce power consumption in standby mode for wireless communication systems
The power consumption in a client terminal is one of the important aspects of wireless communication systems. The power consumed when a client terminal is in standby mode when it is periodically monitoring the paging messages has a significant impact of the battery life. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable reduction of the power consumption in standby mode and extend battery life of a client terminal. |
| US09686741B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of multiple communication channels
A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore in order to enable efficient management of multiple communication channels. In this regard, the method, apparatus, and computer program product may utilize a user equipment (UE) (208), such as a mobile terminal, to communicate a plurality of networks. The UE (208) may identify that multiple communication networks are available or in use, and notify a network node (204, 206) associated with one of the networks of the communication status. In response to receiving a notification that UE (208) is communicating across an alternate channel, the network node (204, 206) may reconfigure the channel with which the network node (204, 206) communicates with the UE (208), or instruct the UE (208) to do the same. |
| US09686739B2 |
Method of establishing smart architecture cell mesh (SACM) network
The present invention provides a method of joining/re-joining a first micro-mesh for a mesh node. The method includes self-evaluating a mesh capability and a gateway capability of the mesh node itself; searching for a nearby dynamic gateway node and determining whether the nearby dynamic gateway node is found; calculating cellular RF criteria and determining whether the cellular RF criteria are met when the nearby dynamic gateway node is found; and joining or re-joining the first micro-mesh when the cellular RF criteria are not met. |
| US09686737B2 |
Method for operating a mobile device
The present invention relates to a method for operating a mobile device comprising a first interface unit for selectively interfacing to at least one communication network of a group of communication networks depending on a network selection information, and a second interface unit for interfacing to a communication device providing network information relating to a communication network related to the communication device. According to the method, the network information related to the communication network related to the communication device is received from the communication device. The network selection information is modified based on the received network information and a communication network is selected from the group of communication networks depending on the modified network selection information. |
| US09686736B2 |
Method to improve public land mobile network search
In various aspects, the disclosure provides user equipment (UE) capable of conducting a public land mobile network (PLMN) search by determining a paging schedule for a serving cell of the UE, the serving cell being associated with a first PLMN and the paging schedule defining one or more paging occasions. The UE may initiate a search for a second PLMN between consecutive paging occasions, and may read information blocks on a broadcast channel of a cell of the second PLMN. The UE may discontinue reading a partially-read information block when the partially-read information block is scheduled for transmission at least partially concurrently with a paging occasion on the serving cell if the partially-read information block does not include information for identifying the second PLMN. The UE may ignore the first paging occasion when the partially-read information block includes the information for identifying the second PLMN. |
| US09686732B2 |
Observation platform for using structured communications with distributed traffic flow
Systems and methods are disclosed for using structured communications in an observation platform with distributed traffic flow. A signal from a first mobile device is received at a second mobile device wherein the first mobile device and the second mobile devices act as a nodes in a first environment which comprises a plurality of nodes, wherein a first characteristic of the signal corresponds to an audible source and a second characteristic of the signal corresponds to information indicative of a geographic position of the first mobile device. Context information is derived, via the second mobile device, from the signal based on the first characteristic and/or the second characteristic. A third mobile device is determined, via the second mobile device, as a destination for the signal. The signal is relayed from the second mobile device to the third mobile device without relaying the signal to a central server computer system. |
| US09686727B2 |
Virtual neighbor objects for managing idle mode mobility in a wireless network
Idle mode reselection is presented herein. A virtual neighbor component can create at least one virtual neighbor object and associate the at least one virtual neighbor object with wireless access points. Further, a reselection component can facilitate idle mode reselection between a base station and a wireless access point of the wireless access points based on the at least one virtual neighbor object. |
| US09686726B2 |
Method and device for making decision about interoperation with wireless local area network in cell handover of terminal
A method and device for making a decision about interoperation with a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) during cell handover of a terminal are provided. The method includes that: if User Equipment (UE) determines that a condition of offloading to the WLAN is met according to a WLAN interoperation decision criterion configured by a network side, then offloading to the WLAN is delayed or cancelled; and if a reporting condition of a measurement report about offloading to the WLAN is met, then reporting of the measurement report about offloading to the WLAN is delayed or cancelled. |
| US09686725B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting mobility parameter
A mobility parameter adjustment method and apparatus for use in a wireless communication system is provided. The mobility parameter adjustment method of a base station includes receiving connection failure information from a terminal, and adjusting a mobility adjustment parameter based on the connection failure information. The mobility parameter adjustment method and apparatus of the present disclosure is capable of adjusting mobility parameter efficiently so as to improve the mobility robustness of the wireless communication system and User Equipment (UE). |
| US09686724B2 |
Network storage method, switch device, and controller
A network storage method, a switch device, and a controller are provided. The method is applicable to a controller based on OpenFlow protocol. The method includes: determining, by the controller, that a first switching equipment is to cache data requested by a first data packet; and notifying, by the controller, the first switching equipment to cache the data requested by the first data packet, and notifying the first switching equipment to establish a first flow table entry according to issued match information corresponding to the first data packet and issued action instruction information corresponding to the first data packet, wherein the action instruction information corresponding to the first data packet is adapted to instruct the first switching equipment to forward the data cached in the first switching equipment and requested by the first data packet. |
| US09686721B2 |
Method and system for interworking of cellular networks and wireless local area networks
A method and system for interworking between cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs) are disclosed. At least one cellular network, at least one WLAN, and an IP network may be deployed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may establish a connection to a WLAN and a tunnel between an access point (AP) and a packet data gateway (PDG) may be established. The PDG may establish a tunnel to an IP network. The WTRU may invoke a service which is delivered through the WLAN. As signal quality from the AP degrades below a predetermined threshold, a handover from the WLAN to the cellular network may be performed. A new connection to the cellular network may be established either before or after breaking the current connection to the WLAN or the two connections may be maintained simultaneously. |
| US09686720B2 |
Admission control for QoS-driven wireless LANs
A method and system for a quality of service (QoS) point coordinator (PC) for a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is disclosed. For example, the PC includes a QoS management entity (QME) and an admission control entity (ACE). The QME receives at least one reservation request message that characterizes one of a QoS session and QoS application (session/application) that can be of a continuous/periodic flow type that is time sensitive, or can be of a discontinuous/bursty flow type that is time tolerant. The reservation request message contains at least one QoS parameter set and requests a resource of a communication channel in the BSS for the QoS session/application. |
| US09686718B2 |
Wireless access point load balancing
Managing wireless access points and/or other devices providing wireless signaling to multiple clients is contemplated. The wireless access point may be managed according to a load balancing strategy directed towards achieving desired network throughput using forced disassociation of clients based on traffic type or other service related indicators and/or force disassociation of roaming partners based on neighboring access point capabilities. |
| US09686716B2 |
Introducing simple RLC functionality to Node B
Techniques for processing downlink data transmitted in a mobile communication system between a control node of a radio access network and a mobile terminal are disclosed. A method of processing downlink data transmitted in the mobile communication system between the control node and the mobile terminal includes determining, in a radio access node of the radio access network, at least one Radio Link Control (RLC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a plurality of RLC PDUs transmitted by the control node. The determined at least one RLC PDU contains a payload. The method further includes creating, in the radio access node, at least one replacement RLC PDU to be further used instead of the determined at least one RLC PDU. The at least one replacement RLC PDU contains a payload which size is smaller than the size of the payload of the determined at least one RLC PDU. |
| US09686715B2 |
Interference mitigation for positioning reference signals
Techniques are provided, which may be used for determining a position of a user equipment (mobile device). In certain example implementations, tones in positioning signals from one or more sources that may interfere with certain positioning signals be estimated and some form of interference mitigation may be applied, which may better enable the user equipment to acquire certain other positioning signals that may be useful in determining a position of the user equipment. |
| US09686713B2 |
Application specific traffic optimization in a wireless link
A packet data system such as a TCP/IP network transmits packets containing a variety of data types along links in the network. Packets are transmitted in a stream between nodes interconnected by the links connections, which conform to a transport layer protocol such as TCP, UDP, and RSTP, and include wireless links, which transmit packets using a radio frequency (RF) medium. By examining the data in a packet, performance characteristics such as a port number are determined. The performance characteristics indicate the application type, and therefore, the data type, of the packets carried on the connection. Since certain data types, such as streaming audio and video, are more loss tolerant, determination of the data type is used to compute link control parameters for the wireless link which that are optimal to the type of data being transmitted over the link. |
| US09686712B2 |
Method and device for solving congestion in device to device communication
The present invention relates to a method and device for finding and solving congestion in a device to device (D2D) channel that may occur in D2D communication by a user terminal and enables the user terminal or a server to perceive and solve the congestion based on a result obtained by sensing the D2D channel by means of the user terminal. |
| US09686711B2 |
Method and apparatus for activating and deactivating serving cell
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a master base station selects a target serving cell in which a state is changed, among the serving cells of at least one slave base station set in the terminal, generates a MAC control element which instructs a state change of the target serving cell, and then directly transmits the MAC control element to the terminal in the case of an uplink asynchronous state between the target slave base station managing the target serving cell and the terminal. |
| US09686708B2 |
Communication control method, user terminal, network device, and base station
A communication control method according to the present invention comprises: a step A of notifying, by UE 100 in a connected state, a MME/S-GW300 of RAT information on an MDT support RAT that is a radio access technology (RAT) on which the user terminal supports an MDT measurement; and a step B of setting to the UE 100, by network device, a PLMN (public land mobile network) list indicating a public land mobile network that permits MDT measurement, on the basis of RAT information. |
| US09686706B2 |
Method and device for reporting power headroom in mobile communication system for carrier aggregation
Provided are a method and apparatus for reporting power headroom in a mobile communication system supporting carrier aggregation. A user equipment (UE) determines the maximum transmit power for each carrier and the maximum UE transmit power, and sends a power headroom report that contains power headroom for each carrier computed based on the maximum transmit power for the carrier and the maximum UE transmit power to a corresponding base station (ENB). |
| US09686704B2 |
Method and apparatus for terminal measurement configuration in multi-radio access technology environment
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises: acquiring configuration information for terminal measurements of carriers relating to network performance on said carriers, said carriers being carriers in a carrier aggregation for a terminal, the configuration information comprising at least two measurement configurations with one measurement configuration for a radio access technology; and performing terminal measurements on said carriers according to the configuration information. Related apparatus and computer program product are also described. |
| US09686703B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving channel state information of downlink channel in mobile communication system
A method for sending a Channel State Information (CSI) report for a Downlink (DL) channel by a User Equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes obtaining, from an evolved Node B (eNB), CSI report setting information including information about a transmission cycle and a transmission time for a CSI report, and Discontinuous Reception (DRX) setting information including information about an active time period in which signal transmission/reception is available in a DRX mode, determining whether the UE operates in the DRX mode, and if the UE is determined to operate in the DRX mode, adjusting the transmission time taking into account the CSI report setting information and the active time period, and sending the CSI report at the adjusted transmission time. |
| US09686702B2 |
Channel emulation for testing network resources
A device receives fading channel conditions to utilize for simulating behavior of multiple mobile devices in a mobile network, and at least one of the fading channel conditions for at least one of the multiple mobile devices is different than at least another one of the fading channel conditions for at least another one of the multiple mobile devices. The device generates channel realizations based on the fading channel conditions, and the channel realizations include time-discrete and frequency-discrete random channel coefficients. The device generates a test channel based on the generated channel realizations, and provides the test channel to a receiver device of the mobile network. The test channel causes the receiver device to perform functions associated with processing an actual channel. |
| US09686700B2 |
Method, device and system for collecting and identifying interference
A method for collecting and identifying interference, which includes requesting each access point device to collect spectrum information, so as to determine interference sources of spectrum information that belongs to a same interference type and is collected by the at least two access point devices, and extracting, from the spectrum information collected by the at least two access point devices, the spectrum information that belongs to the same interference type; matching characteristic sequences of the interference sources, and calculating an overlapping characteristic match value so as to determine whether the match value is greater than a preset threshold, and if the match value is greater than the preset threshold, determining that the extracted spectrum information is from a same interference source, and if the match value is not greater than the preset threshold, determining that the extracted spectrum information is from different interference sources. |
| US09686690B2 |
Method and apparatus for calculating a coverage signal strength indicator
Apparatus and method pertaining to the calculation of at least one value that represents, at least in part, wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of both a local wireless receiver and a remote receiver that receives wireless transmissions from a local wireless transmitter. By one approach the apparatus directly determines the wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of the local wireless receiver and indirectly determines the wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of the remote receiver. |
| US09686683B2 |
Method and system for secure transmission of small data of MTC device group
Disclosed is a method for secure transmission of small data of a machine type communication (MTC) device group, comprising a process wherein an MTC device and an MTC-Interworking Function (MTC-IWF) generate a shared key KIWF on the basis of a GBA procedure, the MTC device and a bootstrapping server (BSF) performing AKA authentication: a home subscriber server (HSS) determines whether the MTC device belongs to the MTC device group and whether said device has small data transmission and reception capabilities; if said device belongs to said group and has said capabilities, an AKA authentication vector generated on the basis of the MTC device group key is sent to said BSF; the BSF carries out AKA authentication with the MTC device on the basis of the received AKA authentication vector. Also disclosed is a system for secure transmission of small data of an MTC device group. |
| US09686679B2 |
Transmission of beacon message
Methods and systems of transmitting a beacon message. Implementations of the present disclosure include determining, by a computing device based on a predetermined algorithm, an encryption method using a current time as a parameter. The computing device may encrypt a beacon message using the determined encryption method to obtain an encrypted beacon message. The computing device may further generate a radio frame including the encrypted beacon message and information associated with a decryption computing device, and transmit the radio frame to a mobile device. Implementations of this present disclosure avoid leaking users' sensitive information, and therefore protect users' privacy as well as improve safe uses of beacon transmission. |
| US09686677B2 |
Techniques for deploying small cells as secondary cells for user equipment
Examples are disclosed for deploying small cells as secondary cells for user equipment (UE). The examples include an UE, one or more small cell evolved node B (eNBs) or a macro cell eNB gathering information and reporting the gathered information to a management entity for an evolved packet core. The gathered information may be associated with the one or more small cell eNBs serving as a secondary cell for the UE while the macro cell eNB may serve as a primary cell. In some examples, the gathered information may be reported in one or more minimization of drive tests (MDT) reports. The MDT reports may be sent to the management entity by the UE, small cell eNBs or macro cell eNBs for the management entity to manage deployment of the one or more small cell eNBs. Other examples are described and claimed. |
| US09686674B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for distributing data of virtual subscriber identity module
A method, an apparatus, and a system for distributing data of a virtual subscriber identity module (VSIM) where a terminal device acquires a graphic code from a distribution client; and acquires the temporary data of the VSIM and the service authentication code that are included in the graphic code; and registers with a mobile network according to the temporary data of the VSIM, and connects to the management server through the mobile network; and sends to the management server, a request for downloading formal data of the VSIM; and if the authentication is passed, the management server acquires formal data that is of the VSIM and corresponding to the service authentication code, and sends the formal data of the VSIM to the terminal device. |
| US09686673B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for streaming audio and video
A wirelessly enabled content delivery apparatus includes a surface; a wireless data system and a data output interface. The surface has a front side and a back side. The wireless data system includes a wireless data module. The wireless data system is fixed to the back side of the surface. The wireless data module is configured to communicate with a user device and to receive a wireless stream of data from the user device. The data output interface is configured to receive data from the wireless data module, and the data is derived from the wireless stream of data. |
| US09686672B2 |
Method for prompting identification card information, mobile terminal and electronic device
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for prompting identification card information, a mobile terminal and an electronic device. The method for prompting information includes: determining a most appropriate identification card from the more than one identification card when an identification card is to be used; and displaying information of the more than one identification card on a display screen of the electronic device, wherein the most appropriate identification card and other identification cards are displayed discriminatively. In the embodiments of the present invention, an appropriate identification card may be recommended to the user, and the user can be prompted intuitively, so as to obtain better user experiences. |
| US09686670B2 |
Electronic device with frequency band scanning order
Locally available location data is analyzed to identify a country or region of the world in which an electronic device (10) is most likely being used. From the identified country or region, the electronic device configures a band scan order for a prioritized full band scan of channels supported by the electronic device. As part of the configuration, the electronic device places the frequencies most likely to be used for radio access technology in the identified country or region at the beginning of the band scan order. |
| US09686669B2 |
Method of configuring a mobile node
A method of communication that includes sending a first message from user equipment to a server, requesting a home agent and/or a home address. The method also includes authenticating the user equipment and providing the home agent and/or home address only when the user equipment is authenticated. Also, a communication system, a server, and user equipment that are configured to implement the method. |
| US09686668B2 |
Method and apparatus for intra-network roaming for IP telephony network
A method of operating an internet-based telephony system comprises (1) determining that a telephony device associated with a customer of the internet-based telephony system has access to service of the internet-based telephony system; (2) sending a first location update signal to a public land mobile network associated with the customer; (3) receiving an indication that the public land mobile network associated with the customer no longer considers the internet-based telephony system as being the network visited by the telephony device associated with the customer; (4) determining the telephony device associated with the customer and the internet-based telephony system are in data communication, and (5) sending a second location update signal to the public land mobile network associated with the customer to register again the internet-based telephony system as the network visited by the telephony device associated with the customer. |
| US09686667B2 |
Distributed paging in a cellular telecommunication system
In a cellular telecommunication system having multiple cells and respectively associated base stations, a user equipment (UE) is paged by sending a paging request to the base station that most recently communicated with the UE. This base station pages the UE and upon failing to receive a response forwards the paging request to its the base stations of neighboring cells Each of these base stations pages the UE and upon failing to receive a response similarly forwards the paging request to further base stations of neighboring cells. This process is repeated to repeatedly expand the paging area until the UE is located or until a forwarding limit has been reached. |
| US09686665B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic location-based group formation using variable distance parameters
Dynamic group formation in a wireless radio communication system including a plurality of subscriber units is implemented using variable distance parameters. First, a request for a new group call relative to a defined location is received at a controller from a requesting device. A current location of each of a plurality of potential responding second subscriber units is determined. A maximum response distance associated with each of the second subscriber units is determined as a function of a stored mode of transport associated with each of the second subscriber units. A group is formed including second subscriber units having current locations that fall within the maximum response distance relative to the defined location associated with that second subscriber unit. Audio or data transmitted by the requesting device is then caused to be provided to the second subscriber units in the formed group. |
| US09686664B1 |
Incident monitoring and response system
An incident monitoring and response system may include observer communication devices that are located in an area where an incident is occurring within a monitored region. A monitoring station sends an incident mode message to observer communication devices within the area. Upon receiving the incident mode message, the observer communication devices enter an incident mode in which the functionality of the device is limited. This limited functionality includes limiting the types of communications that an observer may engage in and the types of applications that can be accessed. |
| US09686661B2 |
System and method of creating and providing SMS HTTP tagging
A system and method for sending text messages and, more particularly, a system and method for forcing SMS capable devices to communicate via SMS using, for example, SS7 protocol. A method includes providing a tag forcing a return text message to be sent via SS7 protocol. In use, the system and method is configured to force the use of SMS messages via the SS7 protocol. The system and method can be implemented over any network, for example, and any existing mobile device and related infrastructure can be modified to take advantage of the benefits and functionality of the system and method of the invention. |
| US09686659B2 |
User terminal, method of transmitting message, and program for user terminal
The user terminal capable of transmitting a phone call and a message between terminals transmits a phone call to a phone number of an other party to connect to the phone number of the other party; detects no connection to a terminal of the other party by the transmitted phone call; disconnects a line before the user terminal is connected with a voice mail system for the other party 200 if detecting no connection to a terminal of the other party; receives an input of a voice message from a caller; converts the received input of a voice message into a text message; extracts a message address of the other party corresponding to the phone number of the other party; and transmits the converted text message to the extracted message address. |
| US09686655B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting signal in communication system
Provided are an apparatus and method for grouping multiple user data and transmitting the grouped data in a multiple antenna system. According to the method, a plurality of user groups are configured, and at least one antenna group is assigned to the plurality of user groups. Then, user signals for each user group are combined using at least one user multiplexing method to generate a user group signal, and a plurality of user group signals are combined using at least one group multiplexing method. Then, the combined user group signal is transmitted to a plurality of users belonging to the plurality of user groups using the at least one antenna group. |
| US09686654B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing broadcast or multicast service to obstructed user equipment
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide a method and apparatus for providing multicast/broadcast information to obstructed user equipment. Some embodiments of the apparatus include a gateway configured for communicative coupling to an antenna. The gateway is configurable to establish a first broadcast/multicast session for receiving at least one broadcast or multicast service associated with user equipment and establish a second session for providing information received in the first broadcast/multicast session to the user equipment. Some embodiments include user equipment are configurable to provide a request to receive a broadcast service or a multicast service from a gateway that receives the broadcast or multicast service(s) via a first broadcast/multicast session. Some embodiments of the user equipment are also configurable to establish a second session with the gateway for receiving the broadcast or multicast service(s). |
| US09686651B2 |
Determining position of a wireless device using remote radio head devices
It is presented a method for assisting the determining of a position of a wireless device, the method being performed in a network node connected to a plurality of remote radio head devices via a combiner. The method comprises the steps of: receiving an uplink signal via the combiner; comparing a carrier frequency of the uplink signal with a set of manipulation schemes for a carrier frequency of uplink signals, wherein the manipulation schemes are different for at least some of the plurality of remote radio head devices; and providing a proximity indication that the position of the wireless device is in the vicinity of a remote radio head device the frequency manipulation scheme of which best matches the uplink signal. A corresponding network node, computer program, and computer program product are also presented. |
| US09686650B2 |
Wireless beacon filtering and untrusted data detection
A determination is made, at a device, as to whether data identifying signals detected at the device include data from a non-stationary wireless beacon. If the data includes data from a non-stationary wireless beacon then observation data including both the data and an associated trusted position of the device is maintained in an observation buffer; otherwise, the observation data is dropped by the device. The observation data from the observation buffer is provided to a service, which determines whether the observation data conforms to one or more patterns, the one or more patterns having been identified based on one or more criteria used by the device in providing the observation data to the service. If the observation data conforms to the one or more patterns then the observation data is maintained by the service; otherwise, the observation data is dropped by the service. |
| US09686645B2 |
Location information sharing method and apparatus
The present disclosure discloses a location information sharing method. The method includes: initiating by a first terminal a location sharing session; waiting for a second terminal to join the location sharing session; receiving previous location information of the second terminal after the second terminal joins the location sharing session, and displaying the previous location of the second terminal that is marked by using the previous location information of the second terminal; receiving current location information of a second terminal; updating on the location display area of the first terminal, the previous location of the second terminal that is marked by using previous location information of the second terminal to a current location of the second terminal that is marked by using the current location information; and displaying on the location display area of the first terminal a voice communication interface for providing voice communication simultaneously within the location sharing session. |
| US09686641B2 |
Notification method, notification system and terminal for scenery are abased on ad hoc network
Disclosed is a notification method for a scenery area based on an Ad Hoc network, including the following steps that: a guide information sending terminal is arranged at each scenery spot in the scenery area; the guide information sending terminal sends guide information periodically; a tourist terminal inside a radio transceiving range of the guide information sending terminal, after receiving the guide information, generates forwarded information and broadcasts it, and then sends reply information to the guide information sending terminal; a tourist terminal outside the radio transceiving range of the guide information sending terminal, after receiving the forwarded information, generates its own forwarded information and forwards it, and further judges whether itself is at the scenery spot where the guide information sending terminal is located according to the forwarded information, and if so, it sends reply information to the guide information sending terminal; and the guide information sending terminal determines the number of tourists at the scenery spot where it is located according to the received reply information. The disclosure further discloses a corresponding system and a corresponding terminal, so that a tourist can know the number of tourists at each scenery spot. |
| US09686631B2 |
Method for managing device configurations using configuration templates
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a configuration of a second end user device that includes device data and applications, generating a configuration template associated with the second end user device, providing a first end user device with access to the configuration template for enabling the first end user device to be configured, detecting an adjustment to the configuration of the second end user device, and transmitting a notification of a configuration change at the second end user device responsive to the detecting of the adjustment to enable the first end user device to be reconfigured according to the adjustment to the configuration of the second end user device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09686629B2 |
Remotely provisioned wireless proxy
A remotely provisioned proxy within a wireless/mobile phone that proxies a wireless communication path between a disconnected piconet (e.g., BLUETOOTH™) device and a network resource such as a universal resource locator (URL) via a mating mobile phone. Thus, an application proxy module embodied within the mobile phone provides managed access of a piconet device connected to the mating mobile phone to remote services. A disconnected piconet device uses the full data bandwidth available to a wireless phone, without the need for the disconnected piconet device to include its own separate wireless front end, or to require use of a modem within the mobile phone. Thus, using a mobile phone with application proxy, the user need not pay for the luxury of a tethered data plan. |
| US09686628B2 |
Audio channel control circuit
An audio channel control circuit includes a filter module and a determining module. The audio channel control circuit receives a first audio signal and a second audio signal from an audio device. The first audio signal loads a first carrier signal, while the second audio signal loads a second carrier signal. The first carrier signal and the second carrier signal have different phases. The filter module filters the first audio signal and the second audio signal, separating the first carrier signal from the first audio signal and the second carrier signal from the second audio signal. According to the phases of the first carrier signal and the second carrier signal, the determining module chooses a speaker of the left audio channel or a speaker of the right audio channel to output the first audio signal or the second audio signal. |
| US09686627B2 |
Multidimensional virtual learning system and method
A process and system for generating three dimensional sound conferencing includes generating a virtual map with a plurality of positions, each participant selecting one of the positions, determining a direction from each position to each other position on the map, determining a distance from each position to each other position on the map, receiving sound from each participant, mixing the received sound, transforming the mixed sound into binaural audio, and directing the binaural audio sound to each participant via a speaker associated with the virtual position of the speaking participant. The result is a clarified sound that gives to the listening participant a sense of where the speaking participant is positioned relative to the listening participant. |
| US09686624B2 |
Loudness adjustment for downmixed audio content
Audio content coded for a reference speaker configuration is downmixed to downmix audio content coded for a specific speaker configuration. One or more gain adjustments are performed on individual portions of the downmix audio content coded for the specific speaker configuration. Loudness measurements are then performed on the individual portions of the downmix audio content. An audio signal that comprises the audio content coded for the reference speaker configuration and downmix loudness metadata is generated. The downmix loudness metadata is created based at least in part on the loudness measurements on the individual portions of the downmix audio content. |
| US09686621B2 |
Hearing aid with an antenna
A hearing aid with an assembly, the assembly includes: a first side; a second side; a signal processor; a wireless communications unit, the wireless communications unit being connected to the signal processor; and a monopole antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna being connected to the wireless communications unit, the antenna having an excitation point; wherein at least a part of a first branch of the antenna extends from the excitation point along the first side of the assembly, the first branch having a first end, the first end being free or being coupled with the excitation point via a third branch; and wherein a second branch of the antenna extends from the excitation point, at least a part of the second branch extending in a space located between the first side of the assembly and the second side of the assembly. |
| US09686620B2 |
Method of adjusting a hearing apparatus with the aid of the sensory memory
Individual adjustment of a hearing apparatus, and in particular a hearing aid, is improved by testing the auditory sensory memory of a user of the hearing apparatus. At least one test result is obtained and the hearing apparatus is adjusted in dependence on the at least one test result. The test person must detect, perceive and be able to reproduce changes in a signal. |
| US09686617B2 |
Microphone system with driven electrodes
Systems and methods for controlling parameters of a MEMS microphone. The microphone system includes a MEMS microphone and a controller. The MEMS microphone includes a movable electrode, a stationary electrode, and a driven electrode. The movable electrode has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. The movable electrode is configured such that acoustic pressures acting on the first side and the second of the movable electrode cause movement of the movable electrode. The stationary electrode is positioned on the first side of the movable electrode. The driven electrode is configured to receive a control signal and alter a parameter of the MEMS microphone based on the control signal. The controller is configured to determine a voltage difference between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode. The controller is also configured to generate the control signal based on the voltage difference. |
| US09686611B2 |
Engine sound enhancement system of a vehicle
A sound enhancement system of an engine of a vehicle includes a vibration sensor disposed on the casing of the engine to generate an electrical signal indicative of the engine sound. A signal processor is connected to the vibration sensor to process the electrical signal-indicative of the engine sound and generate an output audio signal. A speaker is disposed in the vehicle compartment and connected to the signal processor to receive the output audio signal and generate an enhancement sound of the engine sound. |
| US09686608B2 |
Sensor
An acoustic coupling sensor 200 for a portable electronic device is described which includes an acoustic transmitter 22, a reference signal generator 20 coupled to the acoustic transmitter, and an acoustic sensor 24 wherein in operation, the reference signal generator is operable to transmit the reference signal to the acoustic transmitter, to detect an acoustic level of the transmitted reference signal via the acoustic sensor, and wherein the detected reference signal level corresponds to a value of acoustic coupling between the acoustic transmitter and the acoustic sensor. The acoustic coupling sensor may be used for example in a mobile phone to detect acoustic leakage in order to adapt the acoustic level in the mobile phone during use. |
| US09686606B2 |
Smart-line in processing
An example playback device includes a first interface for receiving a first audio signal from a first audio source; a second interface for receiving a second audio signal from a second audio source; and a processor configured to: cause the playback device to playback the second audio signal; determine that the first audio signal is present at the first interface; in response to determining that the first audio signal is present at the first interface, (i) cease playback of the second audio signal being played by the playback device and (ii) cause the playback device to playback the first audio signal; receive an instruction to stop the playback device from playing the first audio signal while the first audio signal is still present at the first interface; and arm the playback device such that a subsequent presence of the first audio signal at the first interface causes the playback device to play the first audio signal. |
| US09686604B2 |
Hybrid ring-radiator headphone driver
A system and method for a hybrid ring-radiator headphone driver, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. |
| US09686602B2 |
Green headphone
A green headphone is disclosed. A force sensor is configured between a speaker cover and a cushion of the headphone. The headphone switches on automatically to play audio when a user puts the headphone on his head. The headphone switches off automatically to stop playing audio when a user puts the headphone off his head, the power consumption is saved. |
| US09686601B1 |
Combination microphone and stand
An audio device that sound enhances, that physically supports the sound enhancing, and that has a capability to physically support a video recorder. The audio device includes a microphone head and a stand. The microphone head enhances sound. The stand physically supports the microphone head and has the capability to physically support the video recorder. |
| US09686599B2 |
Minimal spectrum occupancy systems and methods for routing and wavelength or spectrum assignment in optical networks
Systems and methods for determining minimal spectrum occupancy in routing and wavelength/spectrum assignment (RWA/RSA) in an optical network include performing, for a new demand request, a set of binary operations using a binary representation for each wavelength or portion of spectrum over all links in the optical network; and selecting, based on the set of binary operations, i) a route and ii) one of a) a wavelength and b) one or more portions of spectrum for the new demand request. |
| US09686596B2 |
Advertisement targeting through embedded scripts in supply-side and demand-side platforms
An apparatus and a system of improvement of advertisement targeting through embedded scripts in supply-side and demand-side platforms are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes applying an automatic content recognition algorithm to determine a content identifier of an audio-visual data. The client device then associates the content identifier with an advertisement data based on a semantic correlation between a meta-data of the advertisement provided by a content provider and/or the content identifier. The advertisement targeting may be improved when a script is embedded in the client device, a supply-side platform, and/or a data provider integrated with the supply side platform, to execute arbitrary cross-site scripts in the sandboxed application of the client device. The content identifier may be obfuscated in a manner that it is relevant to a particular demand-side platform to eliminate a need to query the provider of the content identifier on a per ad-spot basis. The demand-side platform may submit requests to the advertising exchange based on a constraint type rather than through a bidding methodology on a per advertisement spot basis. |
| US09686594B2 |
Spectrum analysis and plant diagnostic tool for communications systems
A system, method, and apparatus to allow an operator of a broadcast communication system, such as a cable television or satellite television service to provide some examples, to diagnose performance of this communication system remotely. The operator of a first communication device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to provide an example, may remotely diagnosis performance problems, or potential performance problems, occurring at a second communication device, such as a cable modem (CM) to provide an example, or a group of second communication devices. For example, the operator of the first communication device may view a spectrum analysis of communication signals being routed to, processed by, and/or provided by the second communication device, or group of second communication devices, to diagnose the performance problems, or the potential performance problems, in real time. |
| US09686592B2 |
Program guide system with combination category search
An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. |
| US09686589B2 |
Method, device and system for implementing multi-party conference call by using set top box
A method, device, and system for implementing a multi-party conference call by using a set-top box. The method includes: in a conferencing state, the set-top box sending a network server that manages the conference a request message for adding another specified set-top box into the conference where the set-top box is located; and after the set-top box receives an acknowledgment message fed back by the network server for indicating that the specified set-top box has joined in the conference, distributing audio and/or video signals to be transmitted by the set-top box to other members of the conference through the network server. |
| US09686586B2 |
Interstitial audio control
A method for audio matching may include sending a request to an external server to deliver a plurality of main media segments to the media device, receiving a first main media segment, and playing the received first main media segment. The method may further include determining audio parameters of the first main media segment, determining audio parameters of a first interstitial media segment to be served in proximity to the first main media segment, determining when the audio parameters of the first interstitial media segment are to be adjusted to match the audio parameters of the first main media segment, adjusting the audio parameters of the first interstitial media segment, and playing the first main video followed by the first interstitial media segment. |
| US09686585B2 |
System for verifying physical proximity between media content receivers
The present invention relates to a system and a device for providing proximity control in a satellite television media content distribution system comprising at least a primary receiver and a secondary receiver, whereby authorization to access the conditional access media content is given if the primary and secondary receivers are verified to be within a single household. The invention uses LNB control signaling, by the primary receiver, to cause the LNB to down-convert signals from pre-determined transponders onto a pre-determined frequency in the L-Band such that the secondary receiver may receive messages thus created through the primary receiver's controlling of the LNB. |
| US09686584B2 |
Facilitating placeshifting using matrix codes
A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network. |
| US09686583B2 |
Electronic apparatus and display method by electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a genre classification unit is provided to classify a plurality of programs based on genres with reference to program information. Further, a day classification unit is provided to classify the classified programs based on broadcast days. A display form controller sorts program information description cells of the programs classified based on days into display areas based on days on a display device. When a program information description cell of a display area of a specified day is scrolled, the display form controller controls data so as to display program information description cells of display areas of days other than the specified day in a still state. |
| US09686580B2 |
Security device for pay-tv receiver decoder
The aim of the present invention is to ensure that a security module SC or CAM is used with an authorized receiver device. A security device for Pay-TV receiver decoder, in charge of processing the security messages and to extract the keys or rights from the security messages, this security device comprising a memory to store at least one reference identifier of the receiver/decoder, characterized in that, it further comprises a wireless reader to read a wireless tag containing a receiver/decoder identifier with which it is connected, and means to compare this identifier with the reference identifier, said security device modifying the processing of the security messages in function of the comparison result. |
| US09686579B2 |
Television tuner device for processing digital audiovisual content
Embodiments of a device for receiving a digital terrestrial, cable, or satellite television signal are described herein. For example, a silicon tuner module may be configured to receive a digital terrestrial, cable, or satellite television signal and output a digital bitstream, the digital bitstream may include audio visual content in an encoded transport stream. In a further example, a digital audio video connector may be configured to couple with a display device, the digital audio video connector may be configured to provide the digital bitstream to the display device according to a specification. In another example, a processing module may be configured to control the silicon tuner module in response to a Consumer Electronics Control command received from the display device via the digital audio video connector. |
| US09686575B2 |
Systems and methods for digital library channel creation
The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for digital library channel creation. The disclosed methods and systems utilize a user's digital media library to create and/or simulate one or more broadcast channels for viewing by the user. Channels may be created randomly or according to particular preferences set by the user. In a further aspect, the disclosed methods and systems allow users to broadcast or share their channels with other users. |
| US09686574B2 |
Systems and methods for autonomous broadcasting
Computer-implemented systems and methods provide for the autonomous broadcasting of video data, audio data, or video and audio data during an event, wherein the broadcasting can be schedule in advance and from a remote location (i.e., over a network). |
| US09686573B2 |
Transmitting/receiving system and method of processing data in the transmitting/receiving system
A receiving system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a demodulator, a first handler, and a second handler. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including fast information channel (FIC) data, mobile service data, and a service signaling channel, the FIC data including a field indicating that a table signaling service guide bootstrap information to the service signaling channel is included therein, and the mobile service data and the service signaling channel are packetized into an RS frame belonging to a desired ensemble. The demodulator demodulates the received broadcast signal. The first handler acquires service guide bootstrap information from the table included in the service signaling channel. And, the second handler accesses a service guide announcement channel by using the service guide bootstrap information. |
| US09686569B2 |
Method, system for calibrating interactive time in a live program and a computer-readable storage device
The disclosure is related to a method for calibrating an interactive time in a live program, and a system thereof. In the method, a user device is used to receive a live content embedded with a mark from a live program system. A signal processing scheme is performed to identify the mark so as to obtain a marking time. Then an interactive content is received from an interactive serving system. An initiating time of interactive activity is obtained. A time difference between the marking time and the initiating time is counted. The time difference is referred to for calibrating the time of issuing an interactive message when responding to the interactive activity. The responding time, at the system side, is restored to an actual time. Therefore, the method effectively excludes the time error for responding to the interactive activity in the live program due to transmission delay. |
| US09686567B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrated encoding/decoding of different multilayer video codec
The present invention relates to an integrated video encoder/decoder supporting multilayer pictures with different types. The integrated video encoder according to the present invention includes a base encoder including an encoding algorithm module to encode a base-layer picture among multilayer pictures; and a partial encoder including an additional encoding algorithm module to encode an enhancement-layer picture based on a video coding type of the multilayer pictures. |
| US09686561B2 |
Inter-component filtering
In one embodiment, an apparatus configured to encode video information includes a memory unit and a processor. The memory unit is configured to store an inter-layer reference picture comprising video information. The processor is operationally coupled to the memory unit. In addition, the processor is configured to partition the inter-layer reference picture into a quadtree structure having a plurality of leafs; determine inter-component filter parameters specific to each individual leaf based upon the video information in each individual leaf and signal the inter-component filter parameters for each of the leafs. |
| US09686560B2 |
Lossless data compression and decompression apparatus, system, and method
An apparatus for compressing a video image file is disclosed. The image file includes line segments having a length of M pixels of N bits and a header of H bits. Each pixel is represented by t bits. The apparatus includes a circuit configured to read a first number of unencoded pixel values in a first line segment and read a second number of unencoded pixel values of a second line segment are read. The first and second line segments preceded by a header of H bits and each pixel value is represented by t bits. The differences between each of the first and second unencoded pixel values is determined. The differences between each of the first and second unencoded pixel values encoded only using a smallest number of bits t for a given number of bits for each pixel value in the segment, wherein t is defined as an integer between 1 and N. |
| US09686559B2 |
Image decoding device, and image encoding device
Included is an inter-layer merge candidate derivation unit 1464B that derives motion information decoded in an area on a reference layer corresponding to an area which is located at a lower right part of a target PU and for which decoding has not been performed, in the target PU of a target layer, as a merge candidate. |
| US09686558B2 |
Scalable encoding and decoding
A method for scalable encoding of a digital image into a base layer and at least one enhancement layer comprising an up-sampling step providing at least one part of an enhancement layer, based on a corresponding part of a lower layer having a lower level than the considered enhancement layer, the area of said corresponding parts having a scale factor of 4p (p≧1), the lower layer comprising at least one Largest Coding Unit divisible into Q smaller Coding Units, said units being further divisible into K Prediction Units called lower Prediction Units. For a Largest Coding Unit of said lower layer not divided into smaller Coding Units, and having Prediction Units of different sizes, the corresponding portion of said enhancement layer, is divided into K subdivisions having substantially equivalent proportions as the Prediction Units of different sizes. |
| US09686555B2 |
Video encoding/decoding apparatus and method using motion information candidate group for batch mode
Video encoding/decoding apparatus includes video encoder and video decoder. Video encoder generates predicted subblocks by predicting subblocks into which macroblock is divided, generates residual subblocks by subtracting predicted subblocks from subblocks, generates quantized transform coefficients by transforming and quantizing residual subblocks by using transform selected according to size of subblock, generates encoded video data by encoding quantized transform coefficients, and selectively calculates and determines encoding cost when determining encoding mode for at least one of motion vector, transform type, prediction mode, and block type for subblocks. Video decoder reconstructs partition type information, motion information, transform type information, and quantized transform coefficients by decoding encoded data, reconstructs residual subblocks by inverse-quantizing and inverse-transforming quantized transform coefficients by using transform identified by transform type information, generates predicted subblocks by predicting subblocks identified according to partition type information by using motion information, and reconstructs subblocks by adding predicted subblocks and residual subblocks. |
| US09686553B2 |
Advanced video coding and decoding chip and advanced video coding and decoding method
An advanced video coding and decoding chip and a method with an optimized processing sequence for the sub-blocks, each including 4×4 pixels, of a macroblock in a discrete cosine transform (DCT) and an inverse DCT are disclosed, wherein the compression hardware and the reconstruction hardware execute the compression and the reconstruction of at least part of a field in parallel. |
| US09686547B2 |
Mode-dependent coefficient scanning and directional transforms for different colour sampling formats
A method of coding 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 video data comprises predicting luminance and/or chrominance samples of an image from other respective reference samples derived from the same image according to a prediction mode associated with a sample to be predicted, the prediction mode being selected for each of a plurality of blocks of samples, from a set of two or more candidate prediction modes; detecting differences between the samples and the respective predicted samples; selecting a frequency-separation transform from two or more candidate frequency separation transforms according to the prediction mode associated with a current block of samples using a mapping between transform and prediction mode, the mapping between different, as between chrominance and luminance samples, for at least the 4:4:4: format; and encoding the detected differences by frequency-separating the differences, using the selected frequency-separation transform. |
| US09686544B2 |
Method for coding and decoding scalable video and apparatus using same
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for interlayer prediction, and the method for interlayer prediction, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: deciding whether to apply an interlayer prediction to an enhancement layer; and performing a prediction on a current block of the enhancement layer based on reference information that is generalized and generated from a reference picture, which is decoded, of a reference layer, when the interlayer prediction is applied, wherein the reference layer information can be encoding information of a reference block, which corresponds to a current block of the enhancement layer, from the reference layer, and residual information. |
| US09686542B2 |
Network abstraction layer header design
A video processing device can receive in an encoded bitstream of video data a network abstraction layer (NAL) unit and parse a first syntax element in a header of the NAL unit to determine a temporal identification (ID) for the NAL unit, wherein a value of the first syntax element is one greater than the temporal identification. |
| US09686540B2 |
Robust colorimetric processing method for paper based sensors
The present disclosure proposes a colorimetric method that couples sensor design with image processing to enable automated evaluation of test results obtained by paper-based sensors. The proposed method can match ink color and dye used in colorimetric reaction in terms of their absorption in spectral range (e.g., red, green, blue). A near-zero absorption channel can then be used to normalize absorption channels and construct a composite image. |
| US09686537B2 |
Noise models for image processing
A plurality of images of a scene may be obtained. These images may have been captured by an image sensor, and may include a first image and a second image. A particular gain may have been applied to the first image. An effective color temperature and a brightness of a first pixel in the first image may be determined, and a mapping between pixel characteristics and noise deviation of the image sensor may be selected. The pixel characteristics may include pixel brightness. The selected mapping may be used to map at least the brightness of the first pixel to a particular noise deviation. The brightness of the first pixel and the particular noise deviation may be compared to a brightness of a second pixel of the second image. The comparison may be used to determine whether to merge the first pixel and the second pixel. |
| US09686536B2 |
Method and apparatus for aggregation and streaming of monitoring data
A video device having data lanes and a method of operating the video device includes generating performance monitoring and/or debug data in response to the operation of the video device. The generated data is sampled from component of the video device operating in various clocking domain. The data sampled from the components is combined into a unified stream which is independent of the various clocking domain. The unified stream is transmitted across one more data lanes of a video link along with corresponding audio and/or video data in real time. |
| US09686535B2 |
Method of displaying three dimensional image and three dimensional display apparatus for performing the method
A method of displaying a three-dimensional (“3D”) image, the method includes determining a shutter electrode of an unit part included in a shutter panel as a left-eye electrode and a right-eye electrode, the unit part including ‘n’ shutter electrodes (herein, n is a natural number), selectively driving the left-eye electrode and the right-eye electrode as an opening part based on an image displayed on a display panel to transmit light through the opening part, and providing light transmitted through the opening part with an observer's two eyes through a lens plate, the lens plate including a plurality of lenses. |
| US09686531B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal may include a camera module and a controller. The camera module may include a first capture unit to capture a subject to acquire a first image, a second capture unit to capture the subject to acquire a second image, an actuator disposed at least one of the first capture unit and the second capture unit, and a drive unit configured to drive the actuator. The controller may analyze a perceived 3-dimensional (3D) image formed by using the first image and the second image, and may produce a relative position compensation value corresponding to a relative displacement between the first capture unit and the second capture unit according to a result of the analysis. The drive unit may drive the actuator to control a relative position between the first capture unit and the second capture unit based on the relative position compensation value. |
| US09686530B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Provided is an image processing apparatus, including: a data acquisition unit configured to acquire light field data containing a plurality of parallax images; a setting unit configured to set a virtual focal plane of the light field data acquired by the data acquisition unit; a reconstruction unit configured to generate, based on the light field data acquired by the data acquisition unit, light field data in which a focal plane is moved to the virtual focal plane; a determination unit configured to determine a data reduction amount of the light field data generated by the reconstruction unit in accordance with a refocusable range of the light field data generated by the reconstruction unit; and a reduction unit configured to reduce an amount of data of the light field data generated by the reconstruction unit in accordance with the data reduction amount. |
| US09686529B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
Provided is an image processing apparatus including a subtitle information acquiring unit configured to acquire subtitle information to be combined with a main stereoscopic picture, a parallax acquiring unit configured to acquire a parallax causing the subtitle information to be stereoscopically displayed, a stereoscopic subtitle picture generating unit configured to generate a stereoscopic subtitle picture to be stereoscopically displayed at a display position according to the parallax based on the subtitle information, and an edge processing unit configured to change intensity of an edge in the stereoscopic subtitle picture according to the parallax. |
| US09686528B2 |
Dealiasing method and device for 3D view synthesis
The present disclosure is directed to a method and a device for dealiasing borders in a 3D interpolated view, the interpolated view comprising at least foreground pixels with foreground video in formation and background pixels with background video information. The method comprises the step of detecting, in an interpolated disparity map, associated to the 3D interpolated view, an aliased border between the foreground pixels with a foreground disparity value and the background pixels with a background disparity value, the aliased border delimiting an inner aliased contour formed by foreground pixels and an outer aliased contour formed by background pixel, the aliased border having the form of a stair line; determining a weighting/dealiasing coefficient for each pixel of the outer contour said coefficient corresponding to the part of the pixel area included in the virtual right triangle defined by the two sides of each stair line to the area of the pixel; calculating video information for each pixel of the outer contour in combining the background video information and the foreground video information in a proportion defined by the determined weighting/dealiasing coefficient and replacing video information for each pixel of the outer contour by the calculated video information. |
| US09686527B2 |
Non-feature extraction-based dense SFM three-dimensional reconstruction method
The present invention discloses a non-feature extraction dense SFM three-dimensional reconstruction method, comprising: inputting n images about a certain scenario, n≧2; establishing a world coordinate system consistent with a certain camera coordinate system; constructing an objective function similar to optical flow estimation by taking a depth of a three-dimensional scenario and a camera projection matrix as variables; employing a from coarse to fine pyramid method; designing an iterative algorithm to optimize the objective function; outputting depth representing the three-dimensional information of the scenario and a camera projection matrix representing relative location and pose information of the camera; and realizing dense projective, similarity or Euclidean reconstruction according to the depth representing the three-dimensional information of the scenario. The present invention can accomplish dense SFM three-dimensional reconstruction with one step. Since estimation of dense three-dimensional information is achieved by one-step optimization, an optimal solution or at least local optimal solution can be obtained by using the objective function as an index, it is significantly improved over an existing method and has been preliminarily verified by experiments. |
| US09686525B2 |
Dynamically creating video based on structured documents
An electronic system dynamically creates video based on a structured document by associating video clips with items in a structured document includes a server that is connected to a user terminal. The user terminal sends to the server, as a selected item, at least one item in a structured document selected by the user. The server receives the item sent by the user terminal, identifies the item in the structured document selected by the user, identifies at least one dependent item having a dependent relationship with the selected item, dynamically creates a video on the basis of at least one video clip associated with each identified item and at least one video clip associated with each identified dependent item, and sends the video for playback on the user terminal. |
| US09686524B1 |
Systems and methods for playing a video clip of an encoded video file
Systems and processes are disclosed for providing a video output of a subset of an encoded video file. In one example, a process includes accessing an encoded video file that includes an initial frame and scanning the encoded video file for a start frame of a video clip. This process can also include decoding the video clip of the encoded video file to generate decoded video data corresponding to the video clip and populating memory with the decoded video data. Further, the process can include setting a playout pointer that indicates a location in the memory populated with the decoded video data and corresponding to the start frame of the video clip. In addition, the process can include causing a video player to read, beginning at the playout pointer, from the decoded video data in the memory so as to output, via an output port of the video playout card, a video stream of the video clip. |
| US09686521B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and projection apparatus
A first sum is calculated which is a sum of light intensities of dispersed lights generated when a pixel light by a target pixel passes through an optical system, and a first light intensity is calculated by adding the first sum to a light intensity of the pixel light of the target pixel. A second sum is calculated which is a sum, at a position of the target pixel, of each of light intensities of dispersed lights generated when each of pixel lights by pixels around the target pixel pass through the optical system. A second light intensity of the pixel light by the target pixel is calculated by subtracting the second sum from the first light intensity. |
| US09686520B2 |
Reconstructing viewport upon user viewpoint misprediction
A client device and method are provided for reconstructing a viewport from a rendered rendering surface of a predicted user viewpoint in order to reduce user perceived latency of the network. The client device may execute instructions to: receive, from a server device over a network, a rendered rendering surface of a predicted scene having a predicted user viewpoint, receive, from the user input device, a subsequent user navigation input in the stream of user input, determine an actual user viewpoint based on the subsequent user navigation input, determine a user viewpoint misprediction based on the predicted user viewpoint and the actual user viewpoint, and reconstruct a viewport for the actual user viewpoint from the rendered rendering surface. |
| US09686518B2 |
Projector
This projector is configured to allocate a first projection laser beam corresponding to a first image signal and a second projection laser beam corresponding to a second image signal different from the first image signal to a first area and a second area not overlapping with the first area, respectively, to project the first projection laser beam and the second projection laser beam. |
| US09686504B2 |
Remote resource access interface apparatus
A remote resource access interface apparatus is provided. A key input unit has keys for generating input key values. A communication unit transmits a connection establishment request message including screen resolution information to, and receives a connection establishment response message including supportable key information from, a portable device. The communication unit transmits input key information to and receives video information from the portable device after establishing the connection. A pixel information processing unit converts the video information to pixel signals for a video output unit to display as a visual image. A key advisor unit extracts supportable key information from the response message and outputs the supportable key information to the video output unit. The video information is video data adjusted in resolution based on the screen resolution information, and the input key value is mapped to one of key values indicated by the key information of the portable device. |
| US09686500B2 |
System and method for presenting advertising data based on end user trick-play trend data
A computer readable medium is disclosed containing a computer program including but not limited to computer executable instructions that when executed by a computer present advertising data, the computer program including but not limited to instructions to display advertising data on an end user device for a duration longer than a duration of normal playback of advertising data at normal speed that is being skipped during the current trick play command; and instructions to continue the display of the advertising data until after the duration of normal playback when trick play trend data indicates that an end user at the end user device has skipped advertising data during the last two consecutive trick play commands including the current trick play command and during a most recent trick play command in the trick play command history. |
| US09686495B2 |
Method for providing GUI for selecting broadcast channel with keypad operated by pointer and broadcast receiving apparatus thereof
A method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel, and a broadcast receiving apparatus having the same are provided. The GUI for selecting a broadcast channel includes a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, and then the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel by using the keypad and the pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible. |
| US09686494B2 |
Semiconductor device, ramp signal control method, image data generating method, and camera system
Conventional semiconductor devices disadvantageously failed to sufficiently enlarge a dynamic range. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of registers 21 to 26 that sets a gradient of a ramp signal. In the semiconductor device, the values in the registers 24 to 26 that are reflected in the gradient of the ramp signal are switched at predetermined timings, whereby a ramp signal with a gradient that changes at the predetermined timings is generated, and an analog-to-digital converter uses the ramp signal to convert pixel signals acquired from a pixel area into digital values. |
| US09686493B2 |
Image capture accelerator
An image capture accelerator performs accelerated processing of image data. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator includes accelerator circuitry including a pre-processing engine and a compression engine. The pre-processing engine is configured to perform accelerated processing on received image data, and the compression engine is configured to compress processed image data received from the pre-processing engine. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator further includes a demultiplexer configured to receive image data captured by an image sensor array implemented within, for example, an image sensor chip. The demultiplexer may output the received image data to an image signal processor when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in a standard capture mode, and may output the received image data to the accelerator circuitry when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in an accelerated capture mode. |
| US09686492B2 |
Image sensor, image capturing apparatus and cellular phone having dual reference signal generators arranged in separated chips
An image sensor comprises: a plurality of pixels; a first reference signal generator configured to output a first reference signal whose signal level changes with time; a second reference signal generator configured to output a second reference signal whose signal level changes with time, a rate of change of the signal level of the second reference signal being larger than that of the first reference signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to perform an analog-digital conversion of a pixel signal output from each of the plurality of pixels using the first reference signal or the second reference signal selected in accordance with a magnitude of the pixel signal, wherein the plurality of pixels and the first reference signal generator are arranged in a first chip, and the second reference signal generator is arranged in a second chip. |
| US09686491B2 |
Device and method to control a duration of integration in a photosensitive device having a matrix of photosensitive pixels
A control method for a photosensitive device comprises a matrix of photosensitive pixels distributed at the intersections of rows and columns of the matrix, each of the pixels comprising a photosensitive element able to generate an electrical signal under the effect of incident radiation and a switch controlled by a row conductor, the switch allowing the electrical signal to be transferred to a column conductor, the device further comprising a readout circuit connected to the column conductor to read out successively the various pixels connected to the column conductor, the method consisting, for each of the pixels, in activating the switch a first time by deactivating the associated readout circuit and in activating the switch a second time by activating the associated readout circuit, the duration separating the first activation and the second activation of the switch being equal to a predefined duration of integration. |
| US09686485B2 |
Pixel binning in an image sensor
Pixel binning is performed by summing charge from some pixels positioned diagonally in a pixel array. Pixel signals output from pixels positioned diagonally in the pixel array may be combined on the output lines. A signal representing summed charge produces a binned 2×1 cluster. A signal representing combined voltage signals produces a binned 2×1 cluster. A signal representing summed charge and a signal representing combined pixel signals can be combined digitally to produce a binned 2×2 pixel. Orthogonal binning may be performed on other pixels in the pixel array by summing charge on respective common sense regions and then then combining the voltage signals that represent the summed charge on respective output lines. |
| US09686483B2 |
Pixel with switchable high gain and high capacity modes
Provided herein is a novel pixel circuit for image sensors such as IR ROIC image sensors. The design provides a switchable pixel with two modes. In the first mode, the pixel performs in-pixel correlated double sampling to remove reset noise. In the second mode, the pixel is configured in a high-capacity mode to avoid saturation. The pixel may be dynamically switched between modes, for example in response to lighting conditions in the scene to be imaged. |
| US09686482B2 |
Mobile gas and chemical imaging camera
In one embodiment, an infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person. |
| US09686481B1 |
Shipment evaluation using X-ray imaging
Radiographic imaging, or X-ray imaging, may be used to identify information regarding the contents of a container or other sealed object without having to open the container or the sealed object. One or more visual analyses of radiographic images may identify items within a container, or a condition of such items, as well as the portions or amounts of the contents of the container that correspond to air or dunnage. Additionally, a radiographic image may be projected onto an external surface of a container, or rendered within an augmented reality device or wearable computer device, thereby providing information regarding the contents of the container to a worker or other personnel within a vicinity of the container. |
| US09686477B2 |
Lighting fixture with image sensor
A lighting fixture with a control system, a light source, and an image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor is configured to capture an image in response to an image capture signal. The light source emits light in response to a drive signal. The control system provides the drive signal to control the light emitted by the light source, and when an image needs to be captured, provides the image capture signal. When capturing an image, the control system may coordinate the drive signal and the image capture signal so that the image sensor captures the image when the light source is emitting light, if light is needed or desired. The control system may control the drive signal to control the light emitted by the light source or control other lighting fixtures in the lighting network based, at least in part, on information derived from one or more captured images. |
| US09686472B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and control method for same
Provided is a compound-eye image pickup apparatus in which a plurality of imaging units, each of which configured to photoelectrically convert an optical image focused by a single focal lens with different focal length so as to output a signal, are arranged in the form of a matrix. An image processing unit performs an electronic zoom process for changing a cut-out area of an image and a filtering process for an image signal. A system controller obtains information relating a change in zoom magnification from a zoom changing unit and data relating to a zoom control method from a zoom control method storage unit so as to instruct a zoom controller to perform zoom control. Upon change of an angle of view by controlling the electronic zoom process and the switching of the single focal lens, the zoom controller controls the filtering process performed by the image processing unit so as to equalize the resolution before and after the switching of the single focal lens. |
| US09686471B2 |
Methods and apparatus relating to image stabilization
Methods and apparatus for processing images captured by a camera device including multiple optical chains, e.g., camera modules, are described. Three, 4, 5 or more optical chains maybe used. Different optical chains capture different images due to different perspectives. Multiple images, e.g., corresponding to different perspectives, are captured during a time period and are combined to generate a composite image. In some embodiments one of the captured images or a synthesized image is used as a reference image during composite image generation. The image used as the reference image is selected to keep the perspective of sequentially generated composite images consistent despite unintentional came movement and/or in accordance with an expected path of travel. Thus, which camera module provides the reference image may vary over time taking into consideration unintended camera movement. Composite image generation may be performed external to the camera device or in the camera device. |
| US09686456B2 |
Electronic device having camera
An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, a camera, a coupling wire, and a wire rewinding assembly. The circuit board is received in the housing. The camera is movably mounted on the housing. The coupling wire is electrically coupled to the circuit board and the camera. The wire rewinding assembly includes a driving member mounted on the housing and a wire spool rotated by the driving member. A first end of the coupling wire is electrically coupled to the camera. A second end of the coupling wire is wound on the wire spool and electrically coupled to the circuit board. When the driving member rotates the wire spool, the coupling wire can be unwound or be rewound on the wire spool. |
| US09686454B2 |
Personal authentication device and method of manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to an authentication device (1), characterized in that it comprises a support (10) provided with a surface (12), said surface comprising a plurality of peaks (14) and valleys (15) forming a pattern (13) capable of being acquired by a digital fingerprint sensor.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a device. |
| US09686451B2 |
Real time driving difficulty categorization
The disclosure includes a system and method for determine a real time driving difficulty category. The method may include determining image feature vector data based on one or more features depicted in a real time image of a road scene. The image feature vector data may describe an image feature vector for an edited version of the real time image. The method may include determining offline road map data for the road scene, which includes a static label for a road included in the road scene and offline road information describing a regulatory speed limit for the road. The method may include selecting, based on the static label, a classifier for analyzing the image feature vector. The method may include executing the selected classifier to determine a real time driving difficulty category describing the difficulty for a user of the client device to drive in the road scene. |
| US09686448B2 |
Adaptive black-level restoration
Methods and systems to improve the operation of graphic's system are described. In general, techniques are disclosed for compensating for an image sensor's non-zero black-level output. More particularly, a image sensor noise model may be used to offset an image's signal prior to clipping so that the image's dark signal exhibits a linear or near linear mean characteristic after clipping. In one implementation the noise model may be based on calibration or characterization of the image sensor prior to image capture. In another implementation the noise model may be based on an evaluation of the image itself during image capture operations. In yet another implementation the noise model may be based on analysis of an image post-capture (e.g., hours, days, . . . after initial image capture). |
| US09686446B2 |
Image forming apparatus that reproduces color to be printed with single color material alone and black, recording medium, and color conversion method
An image forming apparatus includes a control unit with a reduction mode using a reduced consumption of the color material. The reduction rule includes a rule of conversion configured to, in a constant hue plane of the input color value, move all color values on a straight line passing through a lowest brightness color value and the input color value in a direction from a highest saturation color value to a highest brightness color value, so as to convert into color values on a straight line passing through the lowest brightness color value and a converted input color value where the input color value is converted, the lowest brightness color value being indicative of a color value of lowest brightness, the highest saturation color value being indicative of a color value of highest saturation, the highest brightness color value being indicative of a color value of highest brightness. |
| US09686441B2 |
Electronic device, method for restricting use of electronic device, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
A method for restricting use of an electronic device including a display part includes the steps of a) designating an application identification data (ID) of a display target to be displayed by the display part, b) switching the display target to another display target by designating another application ID, c) instructing the display part to display an operation screen based on screen data corresponding to the application ID designated in step a), d) receiving a request for the switching of step b) from a use restriction application, e) determining whether the switching of step b) is possible, and f) instructing the display part to display another operation screen based on another screen data corresponding to the another application ID in a case where the switching of step b) is determined to be possible in step e). |
| US09686440B2 |
Rendering high quality images via micro-segmentation, error diffusion, and edge enhancement
Techniques related to rendering scanned images are discussed. Such techniques may include selectively processing segments of a scanned input image based on a neutral edge tag signal such that segments are color suppressed and edge enhanced when the neutral edge tag signal is asserted and error diffusion processed when the neutral edge tag signal is not asserted. |
| US09686432B2 |
Facsimile apparatus, optional unit, and control system of optional units
Provided is an optional unit configured to be connected, in series, to a power supply apparatus for supplying drive electricity, the optional unit including: a receiving unit which receives the electricity supplied from the power supply apparatus or an optional unit in a higher connection level; a supply unit which supplies the electricity to a receiving unit of an optional unit in a lower connection level; and an operation unit which operates based on the electricity received by the receiving unit. In accordance with a voltage of the supplied electricity, based on which the operation unit of the optional unit in the higher level operates, exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the operation unit of the optional unit in the lower level below the optional unit in the higher level starts to receive the supplied electricity. |
| US09686431B2 |
Using hyper-text transfer protocol tunneling to transition a computer from a low power mode to a normal power mode
A communication system includes a cloud server, a management server, a gateway-enabled device, and a printing apparatus, and these are connected to each other. The gateway-enabled device includes a mode switch that wakes up the device from power saving mode when a HTTP tunneling request is received from the cloud server via a second requesting portion of the management server, a tunneling portion that accesses the cloud server by HTTP tunneling if the request is received via a first requesting portion of the management server during normal operation mode or that does the same after back to normal operation mode if the request is received via the second requesting portion by a method allowing waking up from power saving mode, a receiver that receives a print job from the cloud server having being accessed by HTTP tunneling, and a transfer portion that transfers the print job to the printing apparatus. |
| US09686430B2 |
Image reader, and image forming apparatus
Provided is an image reader including a substrate that includes a photoelectric conversion element which is disposed to face an imaging lens, a folded wire that has one end connected to the substrate, and a conductive inclination section that is inclined with respect to an up-down direction of the substrate and grounds a folded portion of the wire. |
| US09686429B2 |
Printing apparatus, control method for printing apparatus, and storage medium
A printing apparatus capable of conveying sheets to a sheet processing apparatus and to control the type of a sheet to be used as a cover sheet in a case where a book bound product is generated by switching back sheets each having an image printed, inverting the sheets and folding the inverted sheets, and to notify an error to a user based on the type of a sheet to be used as the cover sheet in a case where printing an image on the cover sheet is designated. |
| US09686424B2 |
Information processing device, printing condition setting method, and computer product
The CPU of a personal computer displays a list of one-click icons, each representing one or a plurality of printing functions, in the icon display area, and selects one one-click icon from the list of the one-click icons displayed in the icon display area, to automatically set a plurality of printing functions corresponding to the selected one-click icons. |
| US09686422B2 |
Image scanner having a reader and image forming apparatus incorporating same
An image scanner includes a stationary original plate on which a stationary original is placed and a moving original plate, over which a moving original is conveyed, aligned with the stationary original plate in a sub-scanning direction and tilted relative to the stationary original plate by a given angle. A reader is movable in the sub-scanning direction between a stationary original reading span disposed opposite the stationary original via the stationary original plate to read an image on the stationary original and a moving original reading position disposed opposite the moving original via the moving original plate to read an image on the moving original. The reader pressingly contacts the stationary original plate and the moving original plate as the reader moves in the sub-scanning direction. |
| US09686419B2 |
Interactive application resource usage information
An environment is described in which a processing system provides application-level usage information to users. In one scenario, for example, the processing system may provide personal usage information to a user who is operating a user device. The personal usage information itemizes the amount of data (and/or other resources) that has been consumed by each application run by the user device. In another scenario, the processing system may provide expected usage information associated with at least one candidate application provided by a marketplace system. The expected usage information describes an expected consumption of data (and/or other resources) by the candidate application upon running the candidate application by the user device. The processing system can tailor the expected usage information that it sends to a particular user based on user profile data. The user profile data describes a manner in which users operate applications. |
| US09686412B2 |
System and method for offline voicemail deposit
Systems and methods for an offline voicemail recording system are provided. A voicemail server establishes a session with a caller responsive to detecting the unavailability of a callee. Session information is transmitted to the caller and the voicemail server then purposely terminates the session with the caller. The caller can record a voice or video message offline, without an active connection to the voicemail server, and later upload the recorded message. The voicemail server correlates the uploaded message with the previously terminated session and notifies the callee of the receipt of the message. |
| US09686411B2 |
Call mapping systems and methods using variance algorithm (VA) and/or distribution compensation
Method, system and program product, comprising obtaining agent performance data; ranking, agents based the agent performance data; dividing agents into agent performance ranges; partitioning callers based on criteria into a set of partitions; determining for each partition an outcome value for a first agent performance range and a second agent performance range; calculating for the partitions a respective outcome value difference indicator based on the outcome value for the first agent performance range and the outcome value for the second agent performance range for the partition; matching a respective agent to a respective caller in one of the partitions, based on the outcome value difference indicators for the partitions. |
| US09686408B2 |
System and method for indexing automated telephone systems
A telephone subnet crawler is used to access automated telephone response systems and index the information, contents and structure contained therein. A database of the information, contents and structure of a plurality of automated telephone response systems is created by the telephone subnet crawler. A user interface provides callers with direct access to the information, contents and structure of the automated telephone response systems contained in the database. Where an automated telephone response system requires user input, the user interface calls the automated telephone response system and navigates to the node requiring user input, provides the user input and displays the results to the user. Where an automated telephone response system connects to an operator, the user interface calls the automated telephone response system, navigates to the node for an operator, and when an operator is detected, calls the user at a user provided callback number. |
| US09686405B2 |
Unified call routing in social hunt groups
Telephone call routing in a hunt group is based upon monitoring computer activities of the members (devices, people) of the hunt group. For example, a hunt group's member activity score may be based upon how many incoming hunt group calls that member handles. This high activity score is then used to control that member's place in the call routing order. |
| US09686401B1 |
Reduction in network congestion
A system, method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that when read by a processor perform receiving a telephony connection request at a location in a telephony network, the location separated from the intended recipient of the telephony connection request by a target telephony network, determining addressing information regarding the intended recipient, the addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, accessing a do-not-call list, the do-not-call-list including one or more telephony recipients and recipient addressing information for each telephony recipient, the recipient addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, and determining whether the target addressing information matches any recipient addressing information. |
| US09686392B2 |
Telephone system for impaired individuals
An expandable or all-in-one telephone system is designed for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia as well as other cognitively challenged individuals. The features and settings are managed by their caregivers through a web browser or a smartphone application. This phone system provides caregivers with peace of mind and care-receivers with an easy-to-use safe system customized to fit their individual abilities and adaptable as their needs change. Accordingly, the system may help seniors retain dignity and independence, while reducing daily stress points for caregivers. |
| US09686391B1 |
Collapsible shoulder rest for portable electronic device
A collapsible shoulder rest for a personal electronic device is incorporated into a protective case. The shoulder rest is secured within the back of the case and fan folds out away from the back. The shoulder rest is perpendicular to the width of the case. |
| US09686389B2 |
Audio transducer and associated holding device for enhanced acoustic and electromagnetic coupling
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises i) an audio transducer; ii) an audio driver plate having an ear-facing side and a non-ear-facing side; iii) a rigid housing substantially circumferentially surrounding the audio driver plate without substantially covering the ear-facing side and non-ear-facing side of the audio driver plate; iv) a front plate mounted on the ear-facing side of the audio driver plate and spaced apart from the audio driver plate; and v) a fixing gasket affixed to the non-ear-facing side of the audio driver plate. In addition, the front plate is adapted to be compressed against an ear-facing portion of an audio transducer holding device and the fixing gasket adapted to be compressed against a non-ear-facing portion of the audio transducer holding device, whereby the audio transducer is adapted to be held within the audio transducer holding device by compressive force on both the fixing gasket and the front plate. |
| US09686386B1 |
Mobile application for travel-related information
A mobile electronic device that is configured to display travel-related information is disclosed. In one or more implementations, the electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display, the touch-sensitive display configured to receive one or more inputs, a memory operable to store one or more modules, and a processor communicatively coupled to the touch-sensitive display and to the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to cause display of one or more graphical representations of travel-related data at the touch-sensitive display. The processor is also operable to cause display of a telephonic communication graphical interface and to cause a telephonic communication link to be established with a travel representative of a travel management company in response to an input received over the telephonic communication graphical interface. |
| US09686379B2 |
Bitrate efficient transport through distributed antenna systems
An antenna unit includes a transport Layer 1 processor configured to receive a downlink transport Layer 1 data stream from an upstream device and to convert the downlink transport Layer 1 data stream into downlink transport Layer 2 protocol data units in a downlink transport Layer 2; a Layer 2 processor configured to convert the downlink transport Layer 2 protocol data units in the downlink transport Layer 2 into downlink radio access technology Layer 2 protocol data units in a radio access technology Layer 2; a radio access technology Layer 1 processor configured to generate a downlink radio access technology Layer 1 signal from the downlink radio access technology Layer 2 protocol data units in the radio access technology Layer 2; and a radio frequency conversion module configured to convert the downlink radio access technology Layer 1 signal into radio frequency signals for communication using an antenna. |
| US09686378B2 |
Content management and transformation system for digital content
A transformation engine that enables content and information to be transformed from one format, a source format, to a format that is compatible with the requesting device, a destination format. Advantageously, various device types can access and share content via a network without concern as to the original format of the content. When a client device provides a request for content, the transformation engine identifies delivery characteristics of the client device, and identifies a source for the requested content. The transformation engine then transforms the source formatted content into a format identified through a best fit analysis of the delivery characteristics of the device. |
| US09686373B2 |
Connection cache method and system
A method, apparatus and computer program product for maintaining a connection cache at an intermediate server, wherein the connection cache relating to resource requests from a plurality of devices to a plurality of servers remote therefrom. The method comprises monitoring resource requests addressed to a plurality of said remote servers during a first time period; generating statistics data on the basis of the monitored resource requests; establishing a plurality of connections from the intermediate server to a subset of the plurality of remote servers, said subset being determined on the basis of the generated statistics data; and storing data indicative of the plurality of established connections in a connection cache. Caching of connections in this manner ensures efficient use of proxy server resources by only caching connections to “popular” remote servers. |
| US09686372B1 |
Systems and methods for automatically rewriting network page code
Systems and methods for rewriting code related to a network page are described herein. The systems and methods can determine whether the network page includes cacheable resources. Responsive to the determination, the systems and methods can rewrite the code for the network page to cause a user system to access the cacheable resource from a content distribution network. Further, the systems and methods can determine whether access to the cacheable resource should be provided via the content distribution network or a proxy server based at least partially on a relative location of the proxy server and the content distribution network to the user system requesting access to the network page. |
| US09686362B2 |
Smart access point and method for controlling internet of things apparatus using the smart access point apparatus
An access point and a method for controlling an IoT (Internet of Things) device, using the access point. The method includes receiving a request for a service list from a user terminal through a smart access point communication with one or more IoT devices provided in one space; providing a list of virtual objects which are able to be provided out of virtual objects corresponding to the one or more IoT devices to the user terminal as the service list; receiving a control service request generated from the service list of the user terminal; identifying an IoT device corresponding to the control service request and requesting the identified IoT device for IoT control; and renewing a state of a virtual object corresponding to the identified IoT device based on a response of the identified IoT device and transmitting information on the state renewal to the user terminal. |
| US09686361B2 |
Communication device, communication system, communication method and computer program product
According to an embodiment, a communication device includes a connection establishment unit, a forwarder, and a generator. The connection establishment unit is configured to receive, from a terminal device, a connection request containing identification information of the terminal device, establish a communication connection with the terminal device, and store the identification information and terminal connection information. The forwarder is configured to receive, from a first terminal device, a message to be transmitted from the first terminal device to a second terminal device, and forward the message to the second terminal device, based on forwarding information containing the terminal connection information corresponding to the identification information of the first terminal device, and the terminal connection information corresponding to the identification information of the second terminal device. The generator is configured to generate the forwarding information, based on a request from the forwarder or the connection establishment unit. |
| US09686359B1 |
Quality of service management in a distributed storage system
One or more computing devices may comprise congestion management circuitry, one or more client file system request buffers, and DESS interface circuitry. The congestion management circuitry is operable to determine an amount of congestion in the DESS. The one or more client file system request buffers is/are operable to queue first client file system requests of a first priority level and second client file system requests of a second priority level, wherein the first priority level is higher priority than the second priority level. The DESS interface circuitry is operable to control a rate at which the first file system requests and second file system requests are fetched from the one or more client file system request buffers based on the amount of congestion in the DESS, on the first priority level, and on the second priority level. |
| US09686353B2 |
Method and node for locating objects in a peer-to-peer network
This invention includes a method and a node (302) for locating objects in a structured overlay peer-to-peer network (500). Known distributed hash table DHT algorithms are not well suited for wild card searches. This problem has been solved by the current invention by using a node (302) configured with a finger table (310) and a stochastic selector (503) adapted to perform a stochastic search algorithm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the stochastic search algorithm uses weighted probability values that are assigned to each established connection (312, 313, 314) between the node (302) and other nodes (303, 304, 305) in the overlay peer-to-peer network (500). |
| US09686350B2 |
Web-based distributed computing with browser-executed code
A reusable distributed computing framework may be established in which contributors of computing resources may participate by using a web browser to visit a web page that incorporates a distributed computing participation component. A distributed computing job provider may submit distributed computing jobs to a web-based distributed computing service. A distributed computing job may include browser-executable code in accordance with a particular distributed computing programmatic interface and data to be processed by the browser-executable code. The web-based distributed computing service may assign independently processable portions of the job data to browsers visiting a donor page for processing with the job code. Results returned by the donor browsers may be indexed and made available in real-time, as may a status of the distributed computing job such as with respect to processing the job data. |
| US09686348B2 |
Inter-entity connection maps
The technology disclosed relates to identifying connection maps between entities (persons and organizations) and generating so-called connection stories between them based on the connection maps. The connection stories are graphic and visual representations of the connection paths that present to entities topological and chronological aspects of their relationships with other entities. |
| US09686346B2 |
Device and method for generating data for generating or modifying a display object
A method is described. The method comprising the steps of detecting an electronic device being positioned at one of a plurality of discrete positions, and generating data pertaining to at least one application associated with the one detected discrete position for generating or modifying a display object on a display generated by a remote device. A device is also described. |
| US09686345B2 |
Device management method and apparatus
A device management method and apparatus are described. The method includes the following steps: a terminal detects an access of a device (S102); and the terminal generates a WEB User Interface (WEB UI) corresponding to the device according to a configuration file corresponding to the device (S104). According to the disclosure, the problem of incompatibility of the WEB UI of the terminal with multiple devices is solved, and the WEB UI of the terminal can be adapted to the multiple devices. |
| US09686342B2 |
Generating a tailored schema description of a web service
Embodiments relate to a method, computer program product, and a computer system for generating a tailored schema description of a web service from a predefined schema description of the web service is provided. The predefined schema provides a machine readable description of operations performed by the web service and a message format for communication with the web service. A subset of the predefined schema required to support an identified operation may be calculated based on at least one example message. A tailored schema may then be generated based on the calculated subset of the predefined schema. |
| US09686338B1 |
Streaming content adjustment based on camera feedback
A streaming source sends streaming content to a display device. A camera captures images of the display device playing the streaming content and/or a user's interaction with the display device along with the displayed response to the user's interaction. The captured content is analyzed to determine, for example, image quality characteristics of the displayed content, a user experience associated with the displayed content or whether the displayed content matches an expected outcome associated with testing input. Information determined from the analysis of the captured content may be used to adjust characteristics of the streaming content, such as streaming parameters at the streaming source or configuration of the display device. A testing system may analyze the captured content to evaluate performance of the streaming system. Results of the testing may be sent to a data store and/or used to mitigate a poor user experience such as poor image quality. |
| US09686331B2 |
System and method for delivering content over a multicast network
A system for delivering content over a network includes a server. The server is configured to divide the content into multiple segments, to create multiple data streams using the segments of the content, and to transmit each of the data streams via a respective multicast session, wherein a copy of each of the multiple segments is transmitted during a single time slot of the multicast session. |
| US09686330B2 |
Topic-based messaging using consumer address and pool
In a multicast publisher-subscriber environment, a plurality of receiver machines are managed by a configurator machine. A consumer address of a receiver machine is received from a configurator machine. The consumer address is generated by the configurator machine based on registration data transmitted by the receiver machine. A communication is generated based on the consumer address, the communication indicating an availability of the receiver machine to receive messages that correspond to a topic. The communication is transmitted via a network, and in response to the communication, at least one message is received. |
| US09686328B2 |
Online address book with multi-use input bar and profile bookmarking
An online address book is configured to include a multi-user input bar to receive search terms intended to match contacts existing in a user's contact list. If a search term does not match any entry in the current contact list the search is extended by the multi-user input bar to include further candidate contacts. Candidate contacts are acquired through social profiles available from a set of networking sites linked-to over the Internet. A candidate contact that does match the search term is added to the contact list with a public profile whose contents are populated with contact data acquired from social profiles available through the networking sites. This practice of profile bookmarking may be applied iteratively across candidate contacts from various networking sites to build an extensive public profile. |
| US09686327B2 |
Method for determining active communication sessions and communication session information server
In a method for determining active communication sessions, a request to determine active communication sessions is received. Queries as to whether communication sessions are currently active are sent to at least two communication session servers. The respective query answers that indicate one or more active communication sessions being controlled by the respective communication server are received. A first answer that indicates one or more active communication sessions being controlled by the at least two respective communication servers is sent. A communication session information server executes the method. |
| US09686325B2 |
Client terminal's tethering function is selectively turn on or off based on network connection
An information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a processor; a network interface that establishes a connection to a network and a connection to a client terminal; and a storage unit, wherein the processor is capable of executing a tethering function to control communication between the network and the client terminal through the network interface, the storage unit stores network information of the network, to which the information processing apparatus connects, and ON/OFF information of the tethering function in association with the network information, and the processor sets the tethering function based on the ON/OFF information of the tethering function when the network interface connects to the network. |
| US09686323B1 |
Method and apparatus for sequencing remote desktop connections
A method and apparatus for sequencing remote desktop connections. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at a processor, a session exchange request from a first client in a first connection to a remote desktop; selecting, by the processor, a second client for connection to the remote desktop based on the session exchange request; configuring, by the processor, the second client; and orchestrating, by the processor, a second connection between the second client and the remote desktop. |
| US09686318B2 |
System and method for providing user with services
Improper communication using modified software is inhibited without checking game data itself. A system according to one embodiment realizes provision of an online game to a login user with HTTP communication between the server and the client terminal. The HTTP communication includes transmitting, by a terminal device, a HTTP request to which a sequence number of the terminal side is attached; checking, by the server, validity of the HTTP request based on comparison between the sequence number of the login user stored in the server and the sequence number attached to the HTTP request; updating, by the server, the sequence number according to a predetermined update rule; transmitting, by the server, a HTTP response; and updating, by the terminal device, the sequence number in the terminal device according to the predetermined update rule. |
| US09686314B2 |
Systems and methods for matching and scoring sameness
Systems and methods for matching and scoring sameness. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided, comprising acts of: detecting a plurality of digital interactions at different points in time; for each digital interaction of the plurality of digital interactions: identifying from the digital interaction an anchor value X of an anchor type T; and updating a profile of the anchor value X. |
| US09686309B2 |
Logging attack context data
Methods and systems for improved attack context data logging are provided. According to one embodiment, configuration information is received from an administrator of a network security device. The configuration information includes information indicative of a quantity of packets to be captured for post attack analysis. Responsive to receipt of the configuration information, a size of a circular buffer is configured based thereon. Multiple packets directed to a network protected by the network security device are received from an external network. The received packets are temporarily buffered within the circular buffer. An analysis is performed to determine whether one of the received packets is potentially associated with a threat or undesired activity (“trigger packet”). Responsive to an affirmative determination, contextual information is captured by extracting information regarding at least a portion of the configured quantity of packets from the circular buffer and storing the contextual information within a log. |
| US09686305B2 |
Cyber-semantic account management system
Systems, methods, and apparatus for identifying anomalous behavior are provided. For example, a method may include receiving raw data, generating a behavior profile for the entity based on the raw data, receiving comparison data, determining whether the comparison data deviates from a pattern of behavior defined in the behavior profile, and identifying the comparison data as anomalous behavior when the comparison data deviates from the pattern of behavior. In one embodiment, the raw data includes recorded activity for the entity. In one embodiment, the behavior profile defines a pattern of behavior for the entity. In one embodiment, a countermeasure is performed upon identifying anomalous behavior. The countermeasure may include at least one of revoking the entity's credentials, denying the entity access to a resource, shutting down access to a port, and denying access to the entity. The method may further include providing a report of the anomalous behavior. |
| US09686302B2 |
System and method for security and quality assessment of wireless access points
A computer-implemented method for security risk assessment of wireless access point devices, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving signals from one or more wireless access points by two or more mobile wireless devices visiting said access points, obtaining Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSID) of visited access points and reporting values derived from BSSID and from an identifier of corresponding mobile device to a first database, receiving a request for a security risk assessment of evaluated wireless access point, said request containing value derived from BSSID of the evaluated access point, searching the first database for one or more entries corresponding to the evaluated access point, and processing search results to assess security risk of the evaluated access point, said processing comprises computing a component of said risk dependent on the count of unique identifiers of mobile devices reported for the evaluated access point. |
| US09686293B2 |
Systems and methods for malware detection and mitigation
Systems and methods for monitoring malware events in a computer networking environment are described. The systems and methods including the steps of identifying suspect objects; transmitting the suspect objects to an inspection service, wherein the inspection service inspects the suspect objects using a plurality of inspection methods to create digital information about the nature of the potential threat posed by the suspect objects; transmitting said digital information to an analytical service operating, wherein the analytical service performs a plurality of analytical algorithms to categorize the suspect objects with one or more scores for each suspect object based on their security threat; transmitting said one or more scores to a correlation facility which aggregates a plurality of scores; and generating an infection verification pack comprising routines which, when run on an end-point machine within the computer networking environment, will mitigate a suspected security threat. |
| US09686292B2 |
System and method for continuous device profiling
A system and method for monitoring, modeling and assessing networked devices. A continuous device profiling (CDP) system builds and maintains device-specific and network-specific behavioral models based on observation of network traffic. The behavioral models may be used for network management, detecting misconfigured or malware infected devices, performing network asset inventory, network access control, network discovery in support of network integration, and information security incident response management. CDP models and monitors the active roles that devices assume on the network based on a set of matching profiles, monitors transitions between roles, and triggers corrective action when role transitions violate the policies of the network. |
| US09686291B2 |
Method and system for detecting malicious domain names at an upper DNS hierarchy
A method and system for detecting a malicious domain name, comprising: collecting domain name statistical information from a non-recursive domain name system name server (RDNS NS); and utilizing the collected domain name statistical information to determine if a domain name is malicious or benign. |
| US09686290B2 |
Procedure for the preparation and performing of a post issuance process on a secure element
The invention relates to a method for enabling post issuance operation on a secure element connectable to a communication device. The method allows an SE controlling party to perform remotely operations such as creation of new security domains for an external party, loading, and installation of applications of an external party and management functions including personalization and activation of applications loaded on the SE for an external party. The method includes the steps of: collecting data stored on the SE suitable for identification of the SE and data for contacting the SE controlling party; creating an initial data packet from the collected data, sending the data packet to a party which can be the external party, an agent of the external party, the SE controlling party, an agent of the SE controlling party. The invention further relates to a communication device and a software application for implementing the method. |
| US09686286B2 |
Authority transfer system, authority transfer method, information processing apparatus, and recording medium
To prevent a transfer of an authority from being useless as much as possible, an authority transfer unit includes a decision unit for making a decision that an authority of a user with respect to a management unit is transferred to a processing request unit. |
| US09686284B2 |
Extending and re-using an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)
Systems and methods for extending and re-using an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) to extend the trust relationship from a closed group of customers of wireless service providers to users of other ecosystems (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Yahoo!) for IMS services. Some embodiments include receiving a request from an initiating device to establish a service connection between the initiating device and an endpoint through an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) session. The request may include third-party domain credentials (e.g., maintained by a third-party domain) associated with an end-user. The third-party domain credentials can be extracted from the request. Communications with the third-party domain can be used to verify the third-party domain credentials. The IMS session can be established between the initiating device and the endpoint upon verification of the third-party domain credentials. |
| US09686280B2 |
User consent for generic bootstrapping architecture
It is disclosed a method and a bootstrapping client (33) for assuring that a particular user (31) is present at local user authentication. It is also disclosed a method and a network application function (36) for authenticating a generic authentication architecture, GAA, client (34) to network application function, NAF (36). In addition, the NAF (36), requiring that the presence of the authorized user should be confirmed, sends a Nonce denoted as Nonce_UI, in which UI stands for “User Involvement”. The Nonce_UI indicates explicitly that the user involvement is required. |
| US09686275B2 |
Correlating cognitive biometrics for continuous identify verification
A technique is provided for continuous user authentication through real-time fusion and correlation of multiple factors. Monitored data is continuously obtained from a computer. The monitored data is related to user actions on the computer of a user. A server analyzes the monitored data of the computer to execute a windowing system event sequences modality, a network footprint modality, an application specific user actions modality, and/or a forensic linguistic analysis modality for the user. The user is authenticated on the computer based on a combination of the windowing system event sequences modality, the network footprint modality, the application specific user actions modality, and/or the forensic linguistic analysis modality. |
| US09686274B2 |
Informed implicit enrollment and identification
In one embodiment, a user login device may create a user identifier template 400 for identifying a user by implicitly capturing one or more biometric identifier readings. A user login device may capture an enrollment biometric identifier reading of a user during an operational user action. The user login device may apply the enrollment biometric identifier reading in creating a user identifier template 400. |
| US09686269B2 |
Method and system for distinguishing humans from machines and for controlling access to network services
A method and an apparatus for distinguishing humans from computers and for controlling access to network services. One intended application of the method is a CAPTCHA technique, deployed using a shared Trusted Computing technology over a trusted network of a user terminal, a network server, and a Trusted Party, any of which may be at a Decision Point. The method distinguishes a human user making a legitimate request for network access from a programmed computer making undesired requests, by detecting unusually high network access request frequencies made by an identifiable user and/or a trusted module from the user terminal. The CAPTCHA function is further used to improve the method for controlling access to network services. The information transmitted between the members of the trusted network may be encrypted. |
| US09686268B2 |
Processing a dispersed storage network access request utilizing certificate chain validation information
A method begins by a processing module receiving a dispersed storage network (DSN) access request that includes a requester identifier (ID), wherein the requester ID is associated with a certificate chain. When the certificate chain is valid, the method continues with the processing module accessing registry information for the DSN. The method continues with the processing module identifying one of a plurality of access control lists based on at least one of information associated with the requester ID and information associated with the certificate chain, identifying one or more entries of the one of the plurality of access control lists based on the information associated with the certificate chain to produce one or more identified entries, and generating, for the DSN access request, permissions from one or more sets of permissions associated with the one or more identified entries. |
| US09686266B2 |
Utilizing X.509 authentication for single sign-on between disparate servers
An authentication scheme may be utilized for a single sign-on operation between servers. One or more servers (e.g., a SHAREPOINT server) receives a data request directed to a disparate server (e.g., an SAP server). A root certificate (e.g., an X.509 root certificate) is loaded for accessing the disparate server. A user certificate is dynamically generated for identifying a logged-in user. The user certificate is signed with the root certificate and sent to the disparate server for binding with the data request. The data request is sent to the disparate server for authentication using the user certificate. The disparate server accesses a mapping table to map a subject name in the user certificate. When an entry for the logged-in user is found in the mapping table, data operations are enabled between the servers. An open web protocol response containing the requested data is then received from the disparate server. |
| US09686265B2 |
Methods and apparatus to facilitate single sign-on services
Methods, articles of manufacture and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate single sign-on services. An example method includes monitoring web session activity for an indication of entry of first credentials, identifying an SSO framework associated with the device in response to detecting a context event indicative of web session termination, querying the SSO framework for second credentials associated with the web session, and configuring SSO services on the device when the second credentials are absent from the SSO framework. |
| US09686264B2 |
Service providing apparatus, storage medium and service providing method
A service providing apparatus configured to acquire a resource request from a terminal apparatus, specify destination information, which is associated with authentication information stored in a storage and coinciding with authentication information included in the acquired resource request, from the storage, determine whether domain information included in the acquired resource request and the specified destination information coincide with each other, and transmit a first response including information indicating that authentication is required and the domain information to the terminal apparatus when the domain information and the destination information coincide with each other, and transmit a second response not including the domain information to the terminal apparatus when the domain information and the destination information do not coincide with each other. |